Bhubaneswar: The Odisha MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) international trade fair kicked off at the Exhibition ground in the capital city on Monday. The 7-day long trade fair was inaugurated by State Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera.
Addressing the event, Behera said that more than 3, 67,000 MSME units have been set up in the State and Rs 17,863 crore investments has been made while 14, 61,000 men and women have been employed for this initiative.
“This fair will be an inspiration for the youths. Instead of running behind jobs, the youths will be encouraged towards entrepreneurship. State government has played a significant role in setting up of MSMEs across the State. This initiative will strengthen the economy of Odisha,” Behera added.
As many as 400 domestic MSMEs, 40 start-ups and 32 entrepreneurs from Iran, Bangladesh, South Korea and Cambodia have come here to participate in the fair.
Among others, MSME Minister Prafulla Samal, Secretary of MSME, Government of India, Arun Kumar Panda, MSME Additional Chief Secretary Laxmi Narayan Gupta and NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) Secretary Sudhir Garg graced the occasion.
The fair will conclude on February 3.