The Odisha Chamber of Commerce (OCC) plays a significant role in promoting and supporting various sectors of the economy, including Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITeS). While the OCCI historically focused on industries like manufacturing, trade, and agriculture, it has increasingly recognized the importance of emerging sectors like IT and ITeS in Odisha’s economic growth.
Here’s how the OCC contributes to the development of the IT and ITeS sectors in Odisha:
The OCCI actively engages with the state government and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that can boost the IT and ITeS industries in Odisha. This includes lobbying for:
Tax incentivesand subsidies for IT companies.
Infrastructure developmentfor IT parks and hubs.
Skill development programsto create a skilled workforce for IT and ITeS businesses.
By working closely with the state government, the OCC helps ensure that Odisha remains competitive in attracting IT and ITeS investments.
The OCC is also involved in the development and promotion of IT infrastructure in Odisha. This includes:
Encouraging the establishment of Technology Parksand IT hubs in Bhubaneswar and other cities.
Advocating for the expansion of high-speed internet connectivityand reliable power supply, which are essential for IT and ITeS businesses.
Supporting the development of software technology parksand incubation centres to nurture start-ups in the IT sector.
To help meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the IT and ITeS sectors, the OCC supports various skill development initiatives. These include:
Collaborating with educational institutionsand private organizations to offer training programs in IT and related fields.
Promoting internshipsand on-the-job training opportunities for young professionals to enhance their employability in the IT and ITeS industries.
Working to improve the quality of technical education in Odisha through partnerships with local universities and institutes
The OCC regularly organizes conferences, seminars, workshops, and business forums where IT and ITeS companies can connect with potential clients, investors, and partners. These events serve as:
Networking platformsfor businesses in the IT sector.
Opportunities for knowledge-sharingand showcasing the latest innovations in IT and ITeS.
A way for local IT companies to showcase their capabilities and services to national and international markets.
By organizing these events, the OCC helps foster business growth, investment, and collaboration between companies in the IT and ITeS sectors.
The OCC works to create a conducive environment for IT and ITeS start-ups in Odisha. This includes:
Helping new companies access government schemes, funding, and subsidiesthat support innovation in the tech space.
Offering mentorship programsto guide start-ups through challenges related to technology development, market entry, and scaling operations.
Encouraging entrepreneurship in the IT and ITeS sectors through various initiatives that provide resources and a platform for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.
As Odisha’s IT and ITeS sectors continue to grow, the OCC plays a key role in helping local businesses expand beyond national borders. This includes:
Organizing trade delegationsand business trips to international markets.
Encouraging partnershipsbetween local IT firms and global tech giants.
Facilitating export opportunities for IT and ITeS services, such as software development, BPO services, and IT consulting.
The OCC conducts research and industry analysis on trends and developments in the IT and ITeS sectors. These reports provide valuable insights to local businesses, investors, and government agencies to help them make informed decisions. This research can focus on topics such as:
Emerging technologies in IT (e.g., AI, machine learning, and block chain).
Growth opportunities in the global IT and ITeS markets.
Best practices in digital transformation and IT outsourcing.
Through its initiatives, the OCC also works to position Odisha as a growing IT destination. This includes:
Promoting Bhubaneswarand other cities as competitive locations for IT companies.
Highlighting the cost advantagesand skilled workforce available in Odisha compared to other IT hubs in India.
Leveraging Odisha’s strategic location, connectivity, and growing infrastructure to attract global IT companies and foreign direct investment (FDI).
ers and agro-based industries to grow and scale. OCC can help facilitate easier access to credit for small-scale farmers and businesses in the sector.
