Growth of Core Sector Industries is Important for Industrialization in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Dec 21: “Mining, metal and power industry holds the key to industrialisation of Odisha. Growth of these core sector industries will strengthen non-mineral based industries in State,” said Mr. Ravi Uppal, MD & Group CEO of Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL) during a discussion here on Sunday.
Odisha is known as the mineral basket of India which is strategically located and has everything required for industries. “The State should take advantage of its huge natural resource”, he added. He appreciated the State Government for introducing several reforms and e-governance to enhance the ease of doing business in Odisha.
Speaking on Steel Industry, he commented that steel industry is facing difficult time globally. However, in India the potential for growth is very high as demand for steel in domestic market is been increasing and hopefully should touch 8% to 10%.
“Indian Steel sector can recover much faster in comparison to that in other countries. The domestic steel makers need systematic protection against from dumping by global players like China, Japan and Korea, where demand for steel has been shrinking,” said JSPL’s MD & Group CEO.
Odisha has attracted maximum investment in Steel in India. It is one of the leading steel producing States. The Government of Odisha should persuade the Union Government to ring-fence the steel industry against imports. At the same time the State Government should show empathy and sensitivity to industries in the soil of Odisha. “Irrespective of its ownership, the industries being set up in the soil of Odisha are asset of the State and its people, so the State Government must protect them,” he concluded.
Mr. Uppal was speaking in a panel discussion in Odisha Round Table Conference organised by leading business daily at Bhubaneswar. State Industry Minister Mr. Debi Prasad Mishra, Chef Secretary of Odisha Mr. Aditya Prasad Padhi and CMD of NALCO Mr. TK Chand also participated in the panel discussion.