BHUBANESWAR: Projecting a one trillion USD investment globally in next five years, China is eyeing Odisha in a big way.
A province of China will enter into a partnership with Odisha soon for bringing in investment into strategic sectors in the State. The province would be selected on the basis of its similarities with Odisha in terms of geography, resources and expertise so that there would be complete harmony in the partnership, Consul General of People’s Republic of China, Ma Zhanwu told mediapersons here on Tuesday.
Zhanwu, who met Chief Secretary AP Padhi and other top Government officials, said, “It was a very exciting time to be in Odisha. The State has entered the phase of fast development and is leading efforts in creating an enabling atmosphere for investment and ease of doing business.”
The major factors in favour of the State are its political stability, good governance and the availability of a pool of skilled personnel. Odisha has also done the right thing in delineating specific sectors and developing them.
“We will select a coastal province with expertise in ports, mining, industries and manufacturing, urban planning and solid waste disposal, power, food processing and textiles that would effectively tap the vast potential of Odisha. The announcement is likely to be made soon,” the Consul General said.
China is keen to work together with the State and will facilitate exchanges for art, academics and industry to strengthen ties between the regions. The proposed Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor, which will link Yunan province to Kolkata through Mandalay and Dhaka, will also have a major impact on development of economic cooperation in the region. The results will also be felt by Odisha, Zhanwu said.
The Odisha Government is keen to attract investment in manufacturing sector. Outlining several priority areas, General Manager, IPICOL Kalyan Mohanty said power sector was one major area with vast untapped potential.
“In next five years, Odisha will generate 40,000-50,000 MW of power. This will create immense opportunities in manufacturing like power equipment. China with its expertise in manufacturing should take advantage of the opportunities,” he said.
Among others, Executive Member, Odisha Expert Committee of Indian Chamber of Commerce Manish Kharbanda also spoke.