Ravi inaugurates first Global Convention of NRIs

New Delhi, Dec 16 (UNI) Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi today called upon the Non-Resident Indians(NRIs) to invest in Orissa to bring it on the world map for which the state holds all the potential.

Inaugurating the first Global Convention on NRIs and Non-Resident Oriyas (NROs) on "Emerging Opportunities in Orissa," Mr Ravi said the eastern state was a forward looking state for development and it had rich natural and mineral resources.

He said proper management was needed to exploit these resources and opportunities so that Orissa graduated to the level of a developed state.

"There is a great opportunity for investment in IT, health, human resources, tourism and education sectors," he said, calling upon huge investments in the state to exploit its immense potential.

Mr Ravi expressed the hope that this convention would give an opportunity to NRIs for new initiatives and investment in Orissa.

He pointed out that any society could be fully developed only with social justice and equal opportunity and Orissa also could go ahead with this principle for development.

Orissa's Minister of Energy, IT and Culture Suryanarayan Patra was also present at the Convention.

About 40 overseas participated at the convention, which was organised by the Orissa Forum.

A promo film on the Fifth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2007 was also shown on the occasion. The PBD-2007 on the theme "Rooting for the Roots - Meeting India's Social Development Challenges", is being held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi during January 7-9 next year.

UNI SH VD VV1731