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Title: Need to cancel proposed shifting of office of Joint Director General, Foreign Trade from Cuttack in Orissa.
SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): Sir, I would like to draw the attention of this House regarding shifting of the Office of Joint Director-General, Foreign Trade from Cuttack. The Office of Controller of Export and Import was opened in Cuttack, Orissa in 1977. Later, it was upgraded keeping in view the increasing exports from the State. Exports from the State have now reached Rs. 5,500 crore annually. The figure is likely to go up further in view of the industrialization spree by the State Government. I see no reason why this Office of the Joint Director-General, Foreign Trade is being shifted from Cuttack. Cuttack is not only the Commercial Capital of Orissa but is also strategically located. It is nearer to the Airport as well as to the Seaport, and almost all the offices concerned with the establishment and development of the industries are also located in and around Cuttack.
I would, therefore, urge upon the Government of India to declare cancellation of the proposed shifting of this Office from Cuttack.[r17]