Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards positioning Odisha as a leading export hub for chemicals, petrochemicals, speciality chemicals, cosmetics, essential oils and downstream manufacturing, the Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics & Dyes Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL), in collaboration with the Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd. (UCCIL) and in association with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Niryat Bandhu Scheme, successfully organised a high-level workshop titled “Unlocking Export Potential of Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Speciality Chemicals, Cosmetics, Essential Oil & Downstream Manufacturing Sectors in Odisha” at Welcomhotel by ITC, Bhubaneswar.
The workshop brought together policymakers, senior government officials, exporters, MSMEs, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and trade experts to deliberate on strategies for accelerating exports from Odisha and strengthening the state’s manufacturing ecosystem. UCCIL Director Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty chaired the session.
The programme was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address from Mr. Vishal Ganju, Executive Director, CHEMEXCIL, who highlighted Odisha’s immense potential to become a major export destination for chemicals, cosmetics, essential oils, fragrances, and allied products. He emphasized the importance of industry-government collaboration in creating globally competitive manufacturing ecosystems.
The event was graced by Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest, and Smt. Rashmita Panda, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha, as the Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to promoting industrial growth, export competitiveness, and ease of doing business through progressive policies and strategic partnerships.
Special addresses were delivered by Shri Vishnu Kant, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), who explained the Government of India’s export promotion initiatives, including the Export Promotion Mission, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), District Export Hub initiative, and e-commerce exports. Shri Shakti Vinay Shukla, Director, Fragrance & Flavour Development Institute (FFDC), Kannauj, highlighted emerging opportunities in the essential oils, fragrance, and Kewda processing sectors, encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in value-added manufacturing and exports.
A major highlight of the programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CHEMEXCIL and the MSME Department, Government of Odisha, marking a strategic partnership to promote export-oriented industrial development, enhance MSME competitiveness, facilitate capacity building, and strengthen market access for Odisha-based enterprises. The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, attract investments, and enhance the state’s global trade footprint.
An MoU was also signed between Chemexil and The Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd (UCCIL) for conducting collaborative Workshops, Seminars, Capacity building Program, Networking and Advocacy and Exposure visits. UCCIL Director Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty signed the MoU on behalf of UCCIL.
The workshop featured a series of technical sessions covering export readiness, international trade procedures, export incentives, Free Trade Agreements, District Export Hub initiatives, and practical guidance on entering global markets. Participants also benefited from expert-led discussions on manufacturing opportunities in the essential oils and fragrance sector, export documentation, compliance requirements, and strategies for scaling exports.
A special industry presentation by Tata Power Solar Roof showcased sustainable energy solutions for manufacturing industries, reinforcing the importance of green technologies in enhancing industrial competitiveness and supporting India’s sustainability goals.
The interactive sessions enabled entrepreneurs, exporters, startups, and MSMEs to engage directly with policymakers and industry experts, addressing practical challenges related to exports, compliance, logistics, financing, and market access.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vishal Ganju, Executive Director, CHEMEXCIL, said:
“Odisha has the resources, entrepreneurial talent, and industrial potential to become a significant contributor to India’s export growth. Through stronger collaboration between government, industry, and export promotion institutions, we can create globally competitive enterprises and unlock new opportunities for MSMEs and manufacturers.”
The workshop concluded with a networking session and business interactions, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders and laying the foundation for future partnerships aimed at enhancing Odisha’s export ecosystem.