Minister Swain Highlights Need for Stronger MSME–Industry Linkages in Odisha
CII Odisha’s MSME Connect Series 2026 focuses on collaboration, growth opportunities and industrial integration
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain has stressed the importance of strengthening linkages between Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and large industries to support industrial growth in Odisha. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Odisha MSME Connect Series 2026 in Bhubaneswar on 29 May, the minister outlined the role of MSMEs in the state's expanding industrial ecosystem.
Focus on MSME Growth Alongside Large Industries
Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Odisha MSME Connect Series 2026: Expanding Business Horizon in Bhubaneswar, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said MSMEs must grow in tandem with large industries and called for stronger coordination between MSMEs and anchor industries.
The minister noted that Odisha has emerged as the second-highest investment destination in the country after Andhra Pradesh under the Utkarsh Odisha initiative.
Odisha’s MSME Ecosystem Continues to Expand
Ms Rashmita Panda, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, highlighted the growth of Odisha’s MSME sector. She stated that more than 14 lakh MSMEs are registered under Udyam in the state.
She emphasised the importance of vendor development, stronger industry connections and ease of doing business. She also pointed to the government’s focus on sectors including food processing, mineral and metal industries, and textiles.
Industry Leaders Discuss Opportunities and Challenges
Delivering the opening remarks, Mr Anil Kumar Singh, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, highlighted the contribution of MSMEs to Odisha’s economy and employment generation. He noted the need for MSMEs to enhance their capabilities to benefit from upcoming industrial investments.
Mr Manikanta Naik, Vice Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, underlined the importance of collaboration between large industries and MSMEs to bridge industrial growth gaps. He encouraged smaller enterprises to engage more actively with industries to support business expansion.
Experts Address Sector Development Priorities
Dr Pradipta Mohanty stressed the need for focused development of MSMEs operating in textiles, food processing and agriculture. He also highlighted the importance of affordable infrastructure and technology adoption.
Shri Sanjay Pattnaik discussed key issues affecting MSMEs, including land availability, finance, digital transformation, sustainability and risk management.
The conference provided MSMEs with an opportunity to interact directly with industries including Vedanta Ltd, Jindal Stainless Ltd, HINDALCO Industries Ltd, JSW Steel Ltd, IFFCO, Talcher Fertilizers Ltd, Calderys India Refractories Ltd, NALCO Ltd, L&T, TPCODL and Shri Mahavir Ferro Alloys.