The world withstood one of the biggest pandemic situations with COVID 19 hitting it hard with its consecutive waves. The untoward situation, however, played a role in binding the entire humanity into a string of benevolence. The World Trade Center Bhubaneswar network thus further integrated its activities in order to benefit a larger base of business community. WTC Bhubaneswar also served the industry and MSME fraternity during this phase of revival and survival with its trade facilitation initiatives. The year 2021-22 witnessed both physical and virtual programs which were organized with an objective to aid the business community.

During this period, the world witnessed a digital transtormation and the WTC Bhubaneswar connected through webinars and virtual meetings to its members to discuss and deliberate on emerging sectors such as ventures in e-commerce initiated by home-preneurs, start-ups, women entrepreneurs and others.

WTC Bhubaneswar in the last financial year 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. WTC Bhubaneswar observed World Trade Day emphasizing on the theme on Global Trade - Leading Odisha across Borders. Mr. Muzzafar Shah Hanafi, Trade Commissioner of the Consulate of Malaysia in India joined the program to encourage trade connect between the regions. In an endeavor to strengthen trade ties with Japan Mr. Mayank Joshi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Tokyo joined an interactive session with the potential exporters of the State of Odisha.

WTC Bhubaneswar positively supported national missions such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat encouraging the markets to be more vocal for the locally manufactured products. Notably, the Center associated with Start-up Odisha to organize a series of sessions for the start-ups to handhold them on various crucial aspects of businesses. It also joined hands with the MSME Development Institute under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises to organize programs on various pressing issues trying to reach out appropriate information on the various schemes announced by the Government of India in order to support the MSMEs and strengthen their performance amidst the pandemic. Facilitation of market linkages through Social Media Platforms, Government & E-Commerce portals as well as physical exhibitions were essentially focused upon.

While continuing to pursue the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), WTC Bhubaneswar took up activities on crucial goals such as attaining gender equality through women empowerment, advanced agriculture, health etc. WTC Bhubaneswar thus also featured in the Sustainability Report 2021 of the World Trade Center Association.

I wish to express my gratitude to all members and associates for trusting us and for their active support. I also applaud the team of World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar (Odisha) Association, headed by Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, for their efforts in promoting the activities 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 for the successful operations of WTC Bhubaneswar in the coming year.

Thank You.

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