Bhubaneswar: The Electronics and Information Technology (E&IT) Department of the Odisha government organized a collaborative workshop with the Singapore-based Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) on Monday at Hotel Trident.
The workshop was attended by Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Electronics and IT, and Parliamentary Affairs, Mukesh Mahaling; Principal Secretary of the E&IT Department, Vishal Dev; Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, Saswata Mishra; Special Secretary of the E&IT Department, Manas Panda; and CEO of the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), Pradeep Raut, among other officials and GFTN representatives.
GFTN, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Singapore, facilitates global collaborations in technology innovation, focusing on financial services. Its advisory board includes former central bank governors, ministers, and financial leaders from across the world.
Addressing the workshop, Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated, “Odisha has immense potential to become one of India’s leading FinTech hubs. The government is committed to fostering innovation and providing the necessary policy incentives and skilled workforce to make this vision a reality.”
Principal Secretary Vishal Dev highlighted Odisha’s strides in the IT sector, emphasizing the state’s aim to diversify its services and emerge as a leader in FinTech and InsurTech. Finance Secretary Saswata Mishra further elaborated on the government’s initiatives to enhance financial inclusivity, stating that a robust FinTech ecosystem is integral to achieving the state’s developmental goals.
During the workshop, GFTN presented a multi-year plan to establish an InsurTech hub in Odisha, envisioned as a Global Competency Center to promote the InsurTech industry locally, nationally, and globally. The discussions also explored how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their strategies to drive sustainable growth.
Key deliberations focused on empowering women and marginalized entrepreneurs, enhancing the venture capital ecosystem, and integrating advanced technologies to ensure equitable participation in the FinTech revolution.
The event underscored the importance of Odisha’s collaboration with GFTN in leveraging Singapore’s FinTech expertise to catalyze growth. The E&IT Department announced plans to unveil a dedicated FinTech Policy during the “Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025,” marking a significant step in the state’s journey to becoming a FinTech and InsurTech hub.
With these initiatives, Odisha is poised to establish itself as a leader in fostering sustainable and inclusive development within the global financial technology landscape.
