European Union Ambassadors Meet Members of Utkal Chamber of Commerce

Bhubaneswar: To explore trade opportunities in the state of Odisha improve trade relations between India and European countries ambassadors from various European countries were here in Bhubaneswar recently. In a meeting organized by Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the ambassadors of the European countries and the European Union discussed the various trade options that are possible between both the counter parts.

Mr. Joao Cravinho, Ambassador of the European Union said the trade between India and Europe is growing year by year. India always was and is in the limelight. There are numerous opportunities and prospects in which both of them can mutually grow.

Mr. Janos Terenyi, Ambassador, Embassy of Hungary praised the economic reforms in India. Stating that India has excellent relations with Hungary, he wished that Odisha and Hungary can be partners in economic process. Food processing industries could be potential window for trade, he said. Economic cooperation between the two countries can lead to a pinnacle. He also declared scholarships for Indian students which will be come into force from September 2014.

In his address, Mr. Miloslav Stasek, Ambassador of Czech Republic said though it is a small country, it has got high export potential. India is one of the top priorities amongst the countries related to export. Many of the top Indian firms have already invested in the county. Czech companies have also got many important investments in India. Czech Republic has good advancement in the fields of Agriculture and equipments for food processing solutions. Technological solutions for mining, containers for airport cargo solutions can be some areas where ideas can be exchanged. Appreciating the tourism Potential of Odisha, the state should expect more tourists from his country, he said.

Ambassador of Ireland, Mr. Felin McLaughlin stated his interest in education in Odisha. He has shown interest in student exchange programs. He also declared 100 scholarships for students for the next year. The scholarship is named after former Indian President V. V. Giri. Having expertise in agriculture, dairy, ICT, telecom, software, pharmacy, and health sector these can be the areas where India can avail help from the country.

In an interactive session after the meeting, the committee tried to find out a direct break through to the European Union. The members of the chambers offered various proposals to the ambassadors. They said they hope the European Union shall consider or initialize processes to open up a window and strengthen the bilateral trade ties between Europe and Odisha.

The meeting was organized under the Chairmanship of Mr. Vivek Pattnaik, Honorary Member, UCCI. President of UCCI Mr. Ramesh Mahapatra welcomed the Ambassador delegation. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Mahapatra said that if required UCCI can play a role of information window so far as the bilateral commercial relation between Odisha and European Union in concerned. Mr. Nilambar Rath Co-Chairman of Media & PR Committee of UCCI extended vote of thanks on the occasion.