Enterprise Orissa 2008, the largest industrial and sectoral fair of Orissa was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at IDCO exhibition ground. The event has been jointly organised by CII-Eastern Region and the State Government.

This annual flagship event of CII, organised for the thirteenth time, has brought in 150 industries and service sector concerns under it's fold. Besides, a number of companies belonging to sectors like financial institutions banking, insurance, telecom, consumer durables and the like are participating in the event.

Re-affirming the state's commitment towards industrial development Patnaik said, "Focus will now shift from setting up industries in isolation to a holistic development of all sections of the society. Industrial policy 2007 has been framed towards addressing the specific needs of ancillary and downstream industries which in turn will maximise employment potential and provide associated benefits to the people of Orissa." He also said that of the MoUs already signed more than 50 percent of the iron and steel projects have gone for commercial production and this trend shall help Orissa to grow into a competitive steel, aluminum and power hub on the globe.

The theme of the event for this year has been stated as'Orissa@2022'. "This event will help Orissa attract more investments," CII State Chairman Santosh Mohapatra assserted.

Minister of State for Industries, BB harichandan said, "MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) segment promotion is essential for the overall development of the industries in the state. Even banks have to play a vital role for this and I urge them to enhance credit linkage facility towards this purpose."

MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) segment promotion is essential for the overall development of the industries in the state.

Stressing the need for attracting software companies to Orissa, SN Patro , IT Minister, said, "We have earned more than Rs.850 crore from software exports. Encouraged by such performances there is a proposal to set up a second Info-city for software companies to invest in Orissa. Such a step will maximise revenue generation for Orissa." He also said that the state government's single window clearance system has given a go-ahead to 13 projects amounting to a whooping Rs.29,000 crore in the form of investments.

Citing the state's success on being able to attract huge investments, AP Padhi, Secretary of Industries, said, "Orissa is only second to Haryana in terms of Per Capita Investment in entire India. The proposed investment in Orissa is 10 percent of the entire investment proposal for India.”

Among other dignitaries, CII Orissa vice president SS Nadurdikar and DG CII eastern region S Mukherjee also spoke on the occasion. The event is slated to draw thousands of visitors every day and create awareness among the public about the growing stature of Orissa in industrial sector on the national level.