# Odisha was able to secure investment intents amounting to Rs 4.19 lakh crore at the second edition of MiO, which is double that from the first MiO. What led to this encouraging number?
> It can be attributed to 4 key reasons: Focused investor outreach; progressive and competitive policy ecosystem in the identified focus sectors; implementation of business-friendly reforms; and creation of industry-ready land bank and infrastructure. These are making Odisha a preferred investment destination. It is important that the investment intents of over Rs 4,19,574 crore were received in the run-up to and during MiO 2018 since the announcement of the conclave.
The overall response to MiO conclave has been overwhelming. Over 1,000 industry leaders and representatives participated in the conclave and the who’s who of India business pledged new manufacturing investments in the state.
# What has been the rate of implementation of investment proposals? What have you achieved so far from among the proposals secured in 2016?
> The state government has demonstrated strong commitment to deliver projects on ground, which is reflected in the fact that out of the investment intents received in MiO 2016, close to 65 per cent projects are in various stages of approval and implementation. In one year, we have grounded 64 projects which will create employment opportunities for more than 30,000 youth. This has only reaffirmed our position as the number one state in implementation of live manufacturing investments.
Notably, within a year of launch, GO-SWIFT has received over 500 investment proposals with a proposed investment of over Rs 70,000 crore with employment potential for over 1.05 lakh people. As a result of this portal, the average time taken for approval of the projects in the State has been reduced to an average 20 days.
The state has focused on providing best-in-class industrial infrastructure to the NIMZ in Kalinganagar, Angul Aluminium Park, Paradip Plastics Park, PCPIR in Paradip and seafood park in Deras on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. These parks are now ready for investments with key utilities infrastructure in place. Also, we have created a GIS-enabled land bank of 1,25,000 acres dedicated for industries.
# What is the progress made on the 183 investment intents received during MiO?
> After MIO-2018, our main focus is on facilitating industries and ensuring early grounding of projects. We are now handholding companies through their project applications and providing detailed information with regard to policy, incentive and business ecosystem in the state. Nodal officers and SLFC members at IPICOL are also proactively facilitating the companies in selection of suitable land parcels for setting up industrial units. By the end of February, our plan is to accord single-window approval to at least 60 projects for which investment intents were received in the run up and during MiO 2018.
# The state govt has been underscoring value addition and has initiated several downstream industries. What has the response been so far? Can we look forward to inauguration of more downstream units this year?
> Considering the unique competitive strengths of the State in the metals sector, downstream industries in metal has been identified as one of the six focus sectors under Odisha’s Industrial Development Plan. Further, the state government has set a vision to add value to at least 50 per cent of the primary metal produced in the state by 2030.
Odisha is among the few states with a dedicated private industrial parks policy which has received encouraging response from major companies. Six such industrial parks are being set up in the state by Vedanta, Jindal Steel, Welspun, Adani and Jindal Stainless. Tata Steel has also conveyed their interest to set up a similar downstream park at Kalinganagar adjoining the steel plant. These parks will further promote development of downstream industries in the State. A number of downstream units both in steel and aluminium sector will be initiated at these parks and in other industrial clusters during the coming months.
# What measures are being taken by the state government to improve the state’s rank in ease of doing business rankings next year?
> We have seen significant improvements in our Ease of Doing Business scores over the past 2 years. In the Business Reforms Action Plan 2017 rankings, the highest score was 98.42 per cent and we had achieved 92.09 per cent. So, within a short band of just six percentage points, a total of 14 states had been clubbed. We understand that DIPP is considering implementing ratings instead of rankings in future Business Reforms Action Plan implementation assessments. The key reform undertaken by the State during the past year is the implementation of GO-SWIFT.
The various departments will also be undertaking dissemination campaigns through various workshops to increase awareness among industries regarding the various reforms implemented in the state.
# What steps are being taken by the government address issues of existing industries in the state?
> IPICOL has launched a structured initiative named ‘Industry Care’ to provide focused attention for resolution of any issues faced by the existing industries in the State. The objective of this initiative, to be organised on a fortnightly basis, is to raise awareness about the business reforms and address issues of industries in a streamlined and expeditious manner. The first such meeting was held with Angul-based industrial units last month and the next meeting is scheduled to be held with Khordha-based industries on January 16.
What is focus of the Industries department for 2019? What can Odisha expect on the industrialisation front this year?
> The focus of the department shall be on speedy implementation of industrial projects on ground towards achieving Vision 2025 for industrial development. The department will coordinate with various concerned departments and district officials to facilitate the industries for which investment intents were received during and leading up to the Make in Odisha Conclave 2018. The department will also continue its investment promotion initiatives to attract higher manufacturing investments in the focus sectors of the state. In addition, the state will continue to implement business reforms to make it further easy for businesses to set up and operate in the state.