Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has initiated efforts to formulate a focused strategy for export-led growth, with stakeholders from government, industry, export promotion agencies and sectoral experts deliberating on measures to strengthen the State’s export ecosystem during a two-day consultative workshop held in Bhubaneswar.
Organised by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics under the Planning and Convergence Department, the Internal Consultative Workshop on Odisha’s Export Ecosystem was held on June 11 and 12 at Hotel Kalinga Ashok. The event aimed at enhancing Odisha’s export competitiveness, identifying challenges in high-potential sectors, addressing value-chain gaps and preparing an actionable roadmap for expanding the State’s presence in global markets.
The workshop was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Convergence Department, Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the MSME Department Rashmita Panda, Additional Secretary of Planning and Convergence Department Subhashree Nanda, Director of Economics and Statistics B.B. Nanda, OSD Manas Ranjan Samal and Joint Director Laxmidhar Biswal.
Addressing the inaugural session, Singh highlighted India’s long-standing trade strengths rooted in domestic enterprise, cultural heritage and resilient business practices. Referring to emerging geopolitical uncertainties, he stressed the need for market diversification and said Odisha possesses unique advantages for export growth, drawing from its historic maritime trading traditions and skilled workforce.
Citing the State’s rich trading legacy, including the Bali Jatra tradition, Singh said Odisha’s historical strengths remain relevant in the contemporary global trade environment. He also appreciated the Strategic Management Support Team and the Directorate of Economics and Statistics for facilitating focused discussions on export competitiveness.
“Export is no longer a choice. It is the need of the hour and imperative for development of the State,” Singh said.
Participants reviewed Odisha’s current export landscape, including sectoral composition, key commodities, production clusters and competitive strengths. Discussions also focused on challenges related to infrastructure, logistics, quality standards, certification, finance, compliance and market access.
Dedicated technical sessions were held on agriculture, manufacturing and seafood exports, while deliberations also covered sectors such as handlooms, handicrafts, engineering goods and electronics. Stakeholders discussed critical export enablers including export insurance, logistics support, testing and certification facilities, and export finance.
Representatives from organisations including APEDA, ECGC, EEPC, MPEDA, SEAIOR, ORMAS, APICOL, AROMA and various State government departments participated in the consultations.
A key focus of the workshop was the identification of priority export commodities and emerging international markets, alongside measures to strengthen value chains and improve global market access for Odisha’s products.
The deliberations resulted in a series of recommendations covering infrastructure development, capacity building, financing support, institutional coordination and sector-specific export promotion initiatives. Participants also examined successful export promotion models from other states that could be adapted to Odisha’s requirements.
Officials said the recommendations and inputs generated during the workshop would contribute to the preparation of a comprehensive export strategy aimed at enhancing competitiveness, expanding market reach and unlocking the export potential of Odisha’s priority sectors.
The State Government reiterated its commitment to building a stronger, more resilient and globally competitive export ecosystem to support Odisha’s long-term economic growth.
