State to hold its own IITF

With record growth in exports and sector-specific industrial parks, the State Government has decided to organise an annual trade fair for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide further boost to the sector.

A high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary BK Patnaik, here decided that Railways, Defence, Central and State PSUs and other large-scale industries will be invited to participate in the fair.

The focus will be on marketing, technology, product quality, credit availability and related aspects for the growth of MSMEs.  The newly-created MSME Department proposed to organise the trade fair from January 1 to 15 every year commencing next year.

The Chief Secretary advised the department to prepare a logo for the proposed trade fair and place it before the Government for approval. It was decided that an apex committee, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, and an organising committee, headed by MSME Special Secretary, will be constituted to get down to nitty-gritty of the fair.

The MSME Department proposed a token budget of  Rs 60 lakh for it to be organised on the lines of the India International Trade Fair (IITF), said sources adding more funds would be raised by way of collaborations, sponsorships and Government grants.

While a number of MSMEs in the sectors like food park, agro-processing units, plastic, steel, automobile, chemicals, mineral, electronics, handicrafts, gems and jewellery sectors are coming up in the State, the Government has taken steps for establishment of an Aluminium Park at Angul, Plastic Park and Timber Processing unit at Paradip and IT Incubation Centre in notified SEZ (info-valley).

Other important projects initiated include Integrated Textile Park with Testing Laboratory and Certification Centre near Bhubaneswar, Mega Food Park at Rayagada, IT Towers at Mancheswar, ITES Corporate Towers at Chandaka, Floriculture Export Centre, Dry Spice Technology and Skill Development Centre and Hardware and Electronics Park near the Capital.

Marine Food Processing Park near Bhadrak, World Trade Centre in the City and Special Investment Region in Dhamra port area are the other projects with ample opportunities for growth of MSMEs. All these industries will get a common forum to showcase their products through the proposed trade fair.

The Chief Secretary advised the department to develop a real time data-base of the MSMEs of the State. He also asked the department to develop a common website for all MSMEs.