Bhubaneswar: World Trade Center (WTC) Bhubaneswar successfully hosted the 8th edition of World Trade Day in conjunction with its Annual Members Meet 2025 at Hotel Swosti Premium, Bhubaneswar. Held under the global umbrella of World Trade Week, the event brought together industry leaders, senior government officials, global trade experts, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and international representatives to explore new trade frontiers and opportunities for Odisha.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati emphasized Odisha’s emergence as a key trade hub in Eastern India. He highlighted that direct air connectivity with Dubai and Abu Dhabi has enhanced the state’s logistics potential, opening up vast global markets for handlooms, handicrafts, GI-tagged items, perishable goods, and aqua products, which remain underrepresented internationally.
Dr. Kambhampati also underscored the untapped tourism potential, noting that while over 5 lakh Indian tourists visited Vietnam last year, inbound tourist traffic from Vietnam remains low. He invited Vietnamese nationals to explore Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage, positioning the state as a cultural and spiritual destination. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” mission, he urged efforts to showcase and export Odisha’s unique local products.
Themed “Eastern India’s Economic Engine: Odisha’s Global Trade Vision”, the 2025 event featured Dubai Chambers of Commerce as the Country Connect Partner, focusing on strengthening trade ties between Odisha and Dubai.
The event began with a welcome address by Capt. Somesh Batra, Chairman of WTC Bhubaneswar and Vice Chairman of WTC Mumbai, who highlighted the Center’s expanding role in supporting Odisha’s export landscape and MSME development. Mr. Rajen Padhi, Honorary Convener of WTC Bhubaneswar’s International Trade Promotion Think Tank, spoke on the Center’s continued efforts in facilitating international trade through sectoral engagement.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of WTC Mumbai and Director of WTC Bhubaneswar, elaborated on the collaborative efforts led by MVIRDC Mumbai and WTC Bhubaneswar to connect Indian businesses with global markets through the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) network.
Mr. Abhijitsinh Jadeja, Chief Representative – India (Asia Region), Dubai Chambers, delivered the Keynote Address, emphasizing Dubai’s strategic location as a global trade and logistics gateway. He invited Odisha-based businesses to explore international opportunities via Dubai and reiterated Dubai Chambers’ commitment to deepening trade cooperation with the state.
Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, IFS, Consul General of India in Auckland, highlighted the growing trade linkages between Odisha and New Zealand, especially in education, agri-products, and skill development.
In his concluding remarks, Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati applauded the initiatives of WTC Bhubaneswar in promoting international trade awareness and urged MSMEs to embrace innovation and pursue global excellence.
The evening also saw the announcement of Sectoral Think Tank Conveners and Co-Conveners, who will lead trade development efforts across various industries. A display of handloom and handicraft products by women entrepreneurs associated with WTC Bhubaneswar showcased Odisha’s artisanal richness. The event concluded with the presentation of Achievement Awards, honoring outstanding MSMEs and organizations for their exemplary contributions to trade and exports.
