TV
Bhubaneswar: US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Ms Nisha Desai Biswal, met chief minister Naveen Patnaik at the State Secretariat here on Monday.
During the discussion, Patnaik sought better collaboration with US in climate change and industries sector.
He said Odisha is one of the first states in the country to prepare State Action Plan on climate change in a participative process in 2010. The plan aims to reduce the vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacity.
He expressed his willingness to explore partnership between Odisha and USA in various adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change.
Seeking greater cooperation in the industries sector with the United States, the chief minister said the state has a vision to increase manufacturing growth by 15 percent by 2019 by attracting new investments to the tune of Rs 1.73 lakh crore and additional employment to 3.30 lakh persons.
Informing Biswal about the state’s industrial policy, reforms measures and industrial infrastructure, he sought greater cooperation from US for investments in manufacturing units in identified focus sectors, large scale industrial and social infrastructure, smart industrial complexes, R&D facilities and technical cooperation.
Expressing happiness over her visit to Odisha, Biswal said she and her children have great interest in the culture and heritage of the state.
She said that she was here to explore the opportunities in Odisha.
She appreciated the efforts of the Odisha government in strengthening preparedness and improving resilience for disaster management. Lauding the state for effectively managing cyclones, she said the experience of the Odisha government in managing disasters is a good lesson for other countries.
Talking about the industrial and economic cooperation between Odisha and US, she said US intends to boost better trade ties in South Asia and South-East Asia.
“As Odisha is strategically located in South Asia, I would like to explore various options on how to improve economic engagements between Odisha and US”, Biswal said.
Chief Secretary AP Padhi and Development Commissioner R Balkrishnan were present during the discussion.
