"We are looking to attract investments in the non-core sectors such as food processing, auto and auto components, IT/ITes, tourism, hospitality, ancillary and down stream industries, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals and others," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said while inaugurating 'Enterprise Odisha 2012', organised by CII, Eastern Region.
Stating that Odisha has managed to make rapid economic and social developments, Patnaik said the state has established a robust industrial infrastructure.
"The focus now is clearly on creation of iconic industrial regions like Petro-Chemical Investment Region at Paradip, IT Investment Region in Bhubaneswar and Dhamra Special Investment Region," Patnaik said.
The state government is at present attaching significant importance to skill development with objective to improve the employability of the youth and create huge employment opportunities.
Wooing the investors, Patnaik said that the state government was aware about the industry's needs and pro- actively brought about a number of reforms to simplify the policies and procedures to ensure ease of doing business and a favourable investment climate.
Industry can harness the strong demographic dividend of the state which is amply supported by reputed educational institutions like Indian Institute of Technology, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Xavier Institute of Management, National Institute of Fashion Technology and others, the Chief Minister said.
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"The government is open to constructive suggestions from the industry to set up strategic agenda for fast track economic growth along with inclusive social improvements to harness the demographic potential of the state," Patnaik said.
He also asked the industrial sector to play a role in reversing the country's economy which had been hit by the economic slowdown. "It is important for industry to find out ways and means to reverse the country's economic slowdown and instill confidence in investors," he said.