In coming time, Odisha to become centre of Indian Maritime trade
04 Mar 2021 16:20:45
Bhubaneshwar, Mar 4: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said that Odisha’s coastline is going to be the hub of maritime trade. While addressing the 'Investment Opportunities in Odisha' session in the Maritime India Summit 2021, he also assured all potential investors that the Central and state govts are working in tandem to make Odisha an attractive investment destination.
Pradhan said that Odisha has a rich maritime history and thousands of years ago navigators of the state sailed to different parts of the globe to bring fortune and glory to the state. He further added that at one point of time in history, India's was one of the most prosperous civilizations of the world and today in the 21st century, PM Modi gives the country a call of Atmanirbhar Bharat and USD 5 trillion economy. With natural harbors, rich natural resources, long coastline and skill-able and hardworking manpower, Odisha is uniquely poised to be the part of India's Atmanirbhar journey and contribute to the making of USD 5 trillion economy.
The minister said that the global network of trade and commerce will be lead through the ways of maritime in the 21st century and Odisha’s coast will be the gateway for it. Odisha's Paradip is going to be the gateway of growth of eastern part of the country. Kalinganagar, that is being developed as a steel hub, envisages to become a self-contained ecosystem, and will enable the potential investors for setting up value added downstream facilities. Our initiatives in the petroleum and steel sectors will provide impetus to the maritime economy in Odisha.
He said that anchor industries and companies are needed for development and operations of new ports in Odisha and optimal utilization of riverine and sea port area. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of 'Purvodaya', to drive eastern India’s growth in order to keep pace with the growth in other regions of the country and its importance in achieving national growth.
Minister Pradhan said that integration of crucial infrastructure such as road, rail and port will lead to the industrial development of Odisha. Potential for port-led 'Blue Economy' are planned to be unlocked with multi-modal rail, road and air linkages with sea and riverine port for transport of minerals and goods at much lower logistics cost.