WTC Bhubaneswar, being a premier trade promotion and trade facilitation body, stands strong with the industry and MSME fraternity of the State to provide a unique platform for budding entrepreneurs, exporters, MSME entrepreneurs of the State of Odisha to not only learn and discuss key issues pertaining to global business, but also gain understanding of the intricacies of international trade, explore new markets, learn from experts on the emerging opportunities that markets across the borders have to offer. The year 2023-24 witnessed both physical and virtual programs which were organized with an objective to aid the business community as well as handhold MSMEs to penetrate into the international market.

In recognition of the trade service initiatives taken over the years towards development of global business, WTC Bhubaneswar got Accredited by World Trade Centers Association New York in April 2023 for excellence in Business & Member Services and Trade Development. The WTCA Accreditation Program recognizes exceptional services and facilities that meet or exceed industry standards and comply with WTCA's branding guidelines. The Centre has been working closely with MSMEs of the state while handholding them to further explore the global market. Having a strong business member base also added to its efforts in achieving the accreditation in the respective specializations.

WTC Bhubaneswar bagged the Champions Award for Local Connectivity from the WTCA during the Global Business Forum hosted at Bengaluru. The Centre competed with nine other nominated WTCs from across the globe to win this accolade.

During the year, WTC Bhubaneswar worked towards realigning the industry with global trade by providing opportunities for international trade connects. It encouraged participation of the fraternity in various international B2B meetings organized by the World Trade Centers Association. The Centre observed World Trade Day 2023 and Annual Members Meet emphasising on the theme on International Trade - Growing Business Across Borders with focus on developing trade with Australia. Mr. Santosh Sarangi, IAS, Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, Government of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and during his address deliberated on the rise and significance of enhancing exports from the State. Ms. Petula Thomas, CEO, Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce joined the program as the Guest of Honour and deliberated on the huge potential for trade collaborations between India and Australia in sectors like Metals & Mining, Food Processing, Educational Services, etc. She highlighted how WTC Bhubaneswar can act as a great platform for such collaborations where both the countries can work towards better trade relations. Mr. Saswat Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Odisha, in his address, highlighted various aspects of State Export Policy and talked about the digital initiatives being undertaken by the State for facilitating the exporters for seamless execution of exports.

As a part of the Centre's trade promotion initiatives and to grow bilateral trade, WTC Bhubaneswar hosted an inbound delegation from Vinh Long Province, Vietnam to provide MSMEs the necessary international exposure to explore the Vietnamese market. WTC Bhubaneswar also facilitated the participation of business members in the International Food Taipei Show at Taiwan. These initiatives paved the way for trade between the regions and acted as a morale booster for the MSMEs and accelerate trade.

While continuing to pursue the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Centre conducted sessions like Sustainability Hackathon, session on Sustainable Fashion, etc. to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

The Centre was identified as the Export Facilitation Cell by the MSME Department, Government of Odisha and has been operating successfully to promote and accelerate the export scenario of the State. WTC Bhubaneswar, as an Export Facilitation Cell, undertook and facilitated initiatives like commencement of Air Cargo from BPIA Bhubaneswar and Sea Cargo from Paradip Port. The Centre also facilitated the shipment of Cashew Nuts from Odisha to Bangladesh by a women-led enterprise.

During the year, the Centre also signed MoUs with GeM (Government e-Marketplace), Berhampur University and OSSIA Cuttack to explore areas of mutual cooperation.

With an objective to create a positive linkage with a motto to promote handloom for better outreach and also provide opportunity for the weavers to come forward to a greater platform, WTC Bhubaneswar organized Utkal Mahotsav 2023 in continuation of We for Weavers 2022, a program focusing on the weavers of Odisha to not only enhance the visibility of their products but also help them gain confidence, belief and take pride in their profession.

The Year 2023 was declared as the International Year of Millets and WTC Bhubaneswar supported the initiative by organizing a series of programs focusing on Millets Agricultural Products etc. In addition to that, the Centre organized a series of trade promotion as well as trade education events like awareness session on Dak Niryat, visit to ICD Facility and workshops on engineering goods.

WTC Bhubaneswar also participated in flagship international events like World Trade Expo 2023, Mumbai and 2023 WTCA Asia Pacific Regional Meeting in Vietnam, besides the 54th Annual Global Business Forum (GBF) at Bengaluru in March 2024.

Further, the Centre also collaborated with MSME Development Institute in Cuttack to support Government of India initiatives as well. In addition to that, the Centre undertook various initiatives to uplift the Women Entrepreneurs of the State through a series of exhibitions in different locations, seminars on financial literacy, awareness sessions and also observed International Women's Day by initiating a series of corporate connect program themed as WE Connect.

I wish to express my gratitude to all members and associates for trusting us and showcasing their active support keeping up their confidence on us. I applaud the team for their efforts in promoting the activities initiated by WTC Bhubaneswar across the globe.

As we remain committed towards creating value for our members and all stakeholders, we look forward to yet another eventful year. I extend my best wishes to the team WTC Bhubaneswar for the successful operations of the Centre in the coming year.

Capt. Somesh Chander Batra
Chairman
World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar (Odisha) Association.