Odisha and UK Discuss Collaboration on Tourism, Skill Development, and Social Issues

Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Pravati Parida, held a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, Andrew Fleming, at her Lok Seva Bhawan office, where they discussed various opportunities for collaboration between Odisha and the United Kingdom.

Fleming commended Odisha for its proactive approach in developing tourism, recognizing the state’s sports and tourism initiatives as models for other nations. He noted that Odisha’s active participation in global platforms such as the World Travel Market has earned it international recognition and is helping to strengthen its position as a premier tourist destination.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Parida highlighted the state government’s efforts to boost tourism infrastructure, pointing out that these developments are integral to making Odisha a more attractive destination for international tourists. She also emphasized the significance of skill development programs aimed at empowering women, particularly in sectors that can drive economic growth and provide employment opportunities.

The discussion also touched on pressing social issues such as child labor and human trafficking. Both leaders agreed on the importance of collaborative efforts to address these concerns, with a focus on prevention and creating stronger support systems for at-risk communities.

Fleming, who has played a key role in fostering UK-India collaborations in education, tourism, and other sectors, reiterated his commitment to working closely with Odisha to drive sustainable development and further strengthen ties between the two regions.