Odisha is gateway to the ASEAN region, says Patnaik on states strategic geographical location

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], October 28 (ANI): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday pressed for strengthening trade and cultural ties between Odisha and the Association of South East Asian Nations.
In the run-up to Make in Odisha-2022 from November 30 to December 4, the Chief Minister interacting with the ASEAN Heads of Missions, said, "Odisha has the boon of geography and has been blessed with natural resources and major ports on the Bay of Bengal. We are the gateway to the ASEAN region."
"As we move to a modern world, connected more and more through technology, I hope that we can renew the strong ties between our two regions. I hope that in the coming years we can further strengthen our trade ties and not just that, I also hope that we can increase our cultural ties and come up with more cultural exchange programs," he added.
The meeting was held at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan.
The Chief Minister also invited the Ambassadors to attend the Make in Odisha Conclave'22 along with their trade delegations.
He further said that the MIO Conclave'22 is a great platform to further strengthen the business ties between the two regions and the Government of Odisha will facilitate Government to Business and Business to Business meetings with local companies and the trade delegations of ASEAN Nations.
Patnaik also requested them to set up country desks in the International Pavilion at the MIO Conclave.
Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador to Royal Thai Embassy, who led the team, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister and Odisha Government for the hospitality. Speaking about the historical trade and cultural ties between Odisha and ASEAN nations spanning over 2500 years, she said that there is a huge potential for trade and cultural relations with Odisha.
She spoke highly about the beautiful settings of various sites in Odisha. She said that they have a firm belief in Odisha's economic potential and they will highlight this in their respective countries. She said that there is huge scope for exchanges in food processing, services, hospitality and medical tourism.
A senior delegation of ASEAN Heads of Missions in India led by Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador to the Royal Thai Embassy, India concluded their 3-day visit to Odisha today with a fruitful meeting with Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha. The delegation came to Odisha on October 26. (ANI)