Bhubaneswar: Odisha strengthened its efforts to boost chemical exports and enhance the global competitiveness of its MSMEs with the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Chemicals Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXIL) during a workshop on unlocking export potential held in Bhubaneswar.
One MoU was signed between CHEMEXIL and the MSME Department, government of Odisha, through the Directorate of Export Promotion and Marketing, to promote exports from the state’s chemical sector.
The second agreement was signed between CHEMEXIL and the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd (UCCIL) to jointly organise workshops, seminars, capacity-building programmes, networking, advocacy, business-to-business meetings, trade fairs and exposure visits.
The workshop, organised by UCCIL in collaboration with CHEMEXIL, focused on creating awareness among Odisha’s MSMEs about opportunities in the chemical export sector. It was supported by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the Ministry of MSME, and Tata Power.
Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Home and I&PR, Hemant Sharma, who attended as the chief guest, said MSMEs have a crucial role to play in expanding Odisha’s exports. Describing it as the first such initiative jointly organised by UCCIL and CHEMEXIL in the state, he said the workshop would serve as an eye-opener for MSMEs seeking opportunities in global markets.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, MSME Department, Rashmita Panda, welcomed the initiative and said such collaborations would help build export-oriented capabilities among MSMEs.
Joint Director General of Foreign Trade Vishnu Kant Sahay spoke on the Centre’s export promotion initiatives and Odisha’s export potential across various product categories and international markets.
Shakti Vinay Shukla, Director of the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre, Kannauj, delivered a presentation on opportunities in the global fragrance and flavour industry.
The workshop was chaired by UCCIL Additional Director Pankaj Lochan Mohanty. CHEMEXIL Executive Director Vishal Ganju said the partnership would pave the way for more export-focused workshops, business networking programmes, trade fairs and exposure visits in Odisha.
More than 200 entrepreneurs and industry representatives from Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state attended the workshop.
