NALCO may lend its brand name to boost MSME sectors: Dr. Chand, CMD, NALCO

Bhubaneswar: “While Nalco provides a large market for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises of Odisha and has supported the growth of the sector as a responsible Mother Plant, the company is now considering lending its brand name for downstream MSME industries dealing with aluminium applications. This would not only boost the small and medium scale industries of the State but would help these industries using NALCO aluminium, to push their products from local to global market”, said Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD of leading aluminium producer NALCO. He was addressing the participants at the 31st Annual State level Convention of Odisha Assembly of Small & Medium Enterprises, here today at Bhubaneswar.

Citing the example of the aluminium industry, Dr. Chand said that globally there are around 3,000 applications of aluminium in use but in India, we are limited to only 300 usages and most of them are imported. Development of ancillary industries can help address this issue and also enhance the use of aluminium in different sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Chand further said that although the per unit employment average in MSME in Odisha is 5.2 compared to national average of 2.3, this sector needs handholding by the Government & large industries for its growth and development. As a way forward, we must ensure market for the products of MSME sectors, which can be achieved by enhancing the purchase power of individuals through gainful employment. Besides, proper infrastructure, raw material availability and affordable input energy rates for making products cost competitive are crucial, Dr Chand added.

Complimenting the Department of MSME & Odisha Assembly of Small & Medium Enterprises for various initiatives for the development of the ancillary and downstream industries, Dr. Chand also informed that NALCO under its commitment for inclusive growth has made purchases of more than Rs.400 crore from MSMEs.

Among others, Niranjan Sahu, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha & MD OSIC Ltd, Samrendra Sahu, CEO, Institute of Entrepreneurship Development, Gauri Sankar Dash, Chairman, OASME and Satwik Swain, Secretary General, OASME, were notably present on the occasion.

Source: orissadiary.com