Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The 2nd day of the first-ever district-level investment promotion event, “Advantage Angul” was as interesting and engaging as the 1st day. Sessions on the MSME ecosystem, Sustainable Development through industrialization, creation, and role of Circular Economy, and Food Processing, as well as sessions on Carbon Trading, Green Industrial Hubs & Green Buildings, attracted a large audience and overwhelming response from the MSME and Start-up ecosystem. Concept pitches from the innovative start-ups in the social and renewables sectors at the event provided a futuristic perspective of doing business as well as sustainability.
Shri Asit Kumar Tripathy, Principal Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha was the Chief Guest on day 2 as well, adding to the aura of the event. The program was also graced by the distinguished presence of Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia, MD IPICOL and IDCO, Shri Atul Bagai, Head-UNEP, India and Mr. Sadique Alam, Director Industries. Senior representatives from Start-up Odisha, MSTC Odisha (MMRPT), and Development Alternative Group amply represented the private sector and proved to be an open house dialogue with all the stakeholders on a single platform. The event on day-2 attracted 200+ delegates from various MSMEs and Startups.
Shri Siddharth Shankar Swain, Collector and District Magistrate Angul set the context and delivered the welcome address. Speaking about the MSME ecosystem in Odisha, Shri Sadique Alam provided insights on the multiple government initiatives being undertaken by the MSME department. Shri. Bagai took yesterday’s discussion on the Circular Economy model forward and impressed upon the importance of MSMEs to make the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) a success. Smt. Ranjana Chopra spoke on the role of sustainable development in delivering overall economic and social growth in the state.
Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, Start-Up Odisha, provided an overview of the Start-up ecosystem in Odisha and also the support which is being provided by the state to encourage the upcoming start-ups. The keynote address was delivered by the Chief Guest, Shri. Asit Kumar Tripathy, spoke about the importance of MSMEs and start-ups in propelling the state’s economic growth further.
