Bhubaneswar, Oct 31 (IANS): In a bid to boost start-ups and innovators and showcase micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) products, the Odisha government on Saturday decided to organise a trade fair from January 8 next year.

The fair, that would continue till January 14 in the state capital, will focus on tourism, textiles, handlooms, handicrafts, agro-industries, food processing, marine products and renewable energy, as the state has greater potential and strength in these sectors.

Odisha chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati, who presided over a meeting, advised the MSME department to actively involve various industry associations and showcase the marketing linkages for MSME products.

Pati also advised the department to have a separate hall for start-ups, innovators and incubation centres.

MSME secretary Surendra Kumar said that apart from providing a platform for MSME producers, the exhibition will invite business delegations from foreign countries through their embassies in India for popularising Odisha products.

"Attempts will also be made to attract overseas entrepreneurs to invest in Odisha in sectors like engineering, chemicals, metallurgical processing, marine processing, agriculture, tourism and textiles," said Kumar.