BHUBANESWAR: In a major boost to trade and industry in Odisha, the World Trade Centre (WTC) commenced operations from Bhubaneswar from Tuesday. The WTC Bhubaneswar will play a key role in promoting local business and industry on a global arena by providing facilitation services and networking with the international players.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the launch of WTC Bhubaneswar and laid the stone for a world class Convention centre-cum-Trade Zone at Janata Maidan, which would be part of the WTC. The Convention centre will enable holding of conferences, workshops, seminars, exhibitions and trade fairs. It would complement the WTC Tower that would be constructed beside Fortune Tower offering office and commercial spaces.
The unique feature of the project implemented by IDCO would be a 1.7 km skywalk that would connect the Convention centre with the WTC tower as well as all the hotels in the vicinity. “Such a facility connected through a skywalk is unique and first of its kind concept in India. The entire project entailing an investment of `300 crore will be completed within three years,” Patnaik said.
Naveen said, WTC Bhubaneswar will place the Capital city among the top-rung cities in the country in the meetings, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) sector. It will significantly enhance and facilitate trade and commerce in Odisha.
Promoted by WTC Mumbai in association with IDCO, WTC Bhubaneswar is the fifth to be operationalised in India. Bhubaneswar has now become a part of ‘One Global network,’ spanning 100 countries and 343 such facilities.
The WTC Bhubaneswar tower will have 39 floors providing space to trade, commerce and industry bodies, Corporates, institutions, research units. It will act as a catalyst for local business and global organisations to network, explore joint ventures and collaborations, Executive Director WTC Mumbai YR Warekar said.
The WTC is set to host its first programme on exports here on August 16.
Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra and Secretary in the Industries Department Vishal Dev were present, among others.