Bhubaneswar: Odisha has a large coastal area and huge potential for the development of tourism industry. The State has come a long way in the field of shipping and port sector as well as fish production, said Dr. PK Srivastava, Retired Scientist, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India here on Saturday.
Addressing the second Blue Economy Summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), he said it is imperative for the youth and new entrepreneurs to invest in this sector to further improve it and develop the marine biotechnology sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department NBS Rajput said, “Odisha’s connection with the sea is not a modern development. It is deeply embedded in our DNA. For millennia, the ancient Kalinga kingdom controlled the waves of the Indian Ocean. Our brave sadhabs (sailors) sailed in huge fleets of boats, guided by the stars and monsoon winds, to establish prosperous trade routes with Southeast Asian nations like Bali, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Ancient ports like Tamralipti, Palura, Che-li- ta-lo were bustling hubs of world trade, exchanging spices, silk and ideas.”
This legacy of maritime dominance is still celebrated today by millions of people through the great Bali Yatra festival. “As we usher in this new era of port-led industrialization, we are not just building a new but we are reclaiming Odisha’s rightful historical legacy as a global maritime superpower,” he highlighted.
Delivering welcome address, ICC Chairman Rajib S Sahoo said, “With a history spanning over 100 years, ICC has served as a trusted bridge between industry and government, advocating for policies that promote economic growth, industrial development, trade, investment and nation building. Now, through initiatives focused on the blue economy, we are committed to partnering with the Government of Odisha and all stakeholders to unlock the vast economic potential of the state.”
Blue Economy is no longer just an emerging concept – it is a strategic pillar for sustainable economic development across the world. Defined by the United Nations and the World Bank, it is about using our oceans and coastal resources responsibly to generate economic prosperity, create livelihoods and protect the marine environment for future generations. Blessed with around 480 km of coastline, major ports, rich marine biodiversity, one of the world’s largest saltwater lakes in Chilika, abundant fish resources and a rapidly growing marine ecosystem, Odisha has all the ingredients to become a leading blue economy destination in India, said Sahoo.
ICC Odisha Industry and Logistics Committee Advisor Santosh Mohapatra gave detailed information on the summit at the beginning, while ICC Odisha State Council Vice-President Nilanjana Mukherjee proposed the vote of thanks. Among others, Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Chairman Mrutyunjaya Suar, ICC Odisha Regional Director JP Pal, ICC Joint Director Sushantjit Dey, industry leaders and members of ICC were present.