Investment from Oman to Orissa

"I'm optimistic on investments opportunities from Oman for my state Orissa," said Pyare Mohan Mohapatra, a Rajya Sabha member from Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a regional party of the Indian state of Orissa, on his first visit to the Sultanate.

Oman has been exposed to western and southern India but eastern India is not explored yet.

"Orissa is an unexplored territory with a lot of growth potential," said Mohapatra.

"I'm looking for possible investors in the field of tourism, agro industries, fisheries, textile and real estate. Anything that can generate larger employment."

Till now from Orissa there has been no attempt to attract investment but with this visit Mohapatra is hoping for a better industrial and growth prospect for the state. The Rajya Sabha member plans to provide detailed information of the state and frequent visits for its potential investors.

"Our government would support prospective investors of various sectors from Oman to start their business ventures as early as possible," he said

Last year, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Oman a joint venture fund of $100 million was finalised between the two nations to boost infrastructure and development projects.

Mohapatra is positive that both nations will pursue their area of interest through this strategic tie boosting their economies.

"Though this is an exploratory trip, I got good responses, from companies like Oman Oil and Omzest Group." "Even investment bankers and private equity players have shown interest because this is the right time to capture good opportunities," said Mohapatra, who is in the city for a special screening of the film, The Living Ghost.

Talking about BJD's agenda for Orissa, he focused on areas like higher agricultural production and diversification, animal resource development, fisheries, health and education.

"Our aim is to build skilled and educated manpower and employment opportunities for everyone in the state," he said.