Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 14:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sought for better collaboration with US in climate change and industries sector during a meeting with the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal here at Secretariat.

naveen patnaik nisha desai biswal

“Odisha is one of the first states in the country to prepare State Action Plan on climate change in a participative process in 2010.  The plan aims to reduce the vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacity. The Chief Minister wanted to explore partnership between Odisha and USA in various adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change,” Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.

The Chief Minister also sought for deeper cooperation in the industries sector with US.

“The state has a vision to increase manufacturing growth by 15 percent by 2019 by attracting new investments to the tune of Rs.1.73 lakh core and additional employment to 3.30 lakh persons.  The CM also described about the state’s industrial policy, reforms measures and industrial infrastructure in Odisha.  The chief minister wanted greater cooperation from US for investments in manufacturing units in identified focus sectors, large scale industrial and social infrastructure, smart industrial complexes, R&D facilities and technical cooperation,” he added.

Starting on a personal note, the Assistant Secretary of State Nisha Desai Biswal said she was very happy to visit Odisha, and she and her children have great interest in the culture and heritage of Odisha.  She said that she was here to explore the opportunities in Odisha.

Biswal appreciated the efforts of Odisha government in strengthening preparedness and improving resilience for disaster management.  She lauded the state for effectively managing cyclones in Odisha.  She also said that the Odisha experience in managing disasters is a good lesson for other countries.

Talking on the industrial and economic cooperation between Odisha and US, she said US intends to boost better trade ties in South Asia and South-East Asia.  As Odisha is strategically located in South Asia, she would like to explore various options on how to improve economic engagements between Odisha and US.

Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi and Development Commissioner R. Balkrishnan were present during the discussion.