Odisha seeks greater cooperation from US in climate change

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday sought better collaboration with the US in climate change and industries sector.

Holding a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal here, the chief minister said Odisha was one of the first states in the country to prepare State Action Plan on climate change in a participative process in 2010.

The plan aims to reduce the vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacity, he added.

Patnaik wanted to explore partnership between Odisha and the US in various adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change, said a release from the Chief Minister's Office.

The chief minister also sought deeper cooperation in the industries sector with the US.

He said the state has a vision to increase manufacturing growth by 15 percent by 2019 by attracting new investments to the tune of Rs.1.73 lakh crore and additional employment to 3.30 lakh people.

The chief minister also described about the state's industrial policy, reforms measures and industrial infrastructure.

He wanted greater cooperation from the US for investments in manufacturing units in identified focus sectors, large scale industrial and social infrastructure, smart industrial complexes, R&D (research and development) facilities and technical cooperation.

Informing that she was here to explore the opportunities in Odisha, Biswal said she was very happy to visit Odisha, and she and her children have great interest in the culture and heritage of Odisha.

Biswal appreciated the efforts of Odisha government in strengthening preparedness and improving resilience for disaster management.

She lauded the state for effectively managing cyclones, said the release.

Biswal said the Odisha experience in managing disasters is a good lesson for other countries.

Talking on the industrial and economic cooperation between Odisha and the US, she said the US intends to boost better trade ties in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

As Odisha is strategically located in South Asia, she would like to explore various options on how to improve economic engagements between Odisha and the US, the release said.