Bhubaneswar: Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India, has pressed for better air connectivity to Odisha for fostering economic growth in the state.

“Better air connectivity is required for better economic ties between Odisha and UAE. Better aviation sector is needed for economic growth. Investors as well as professionals need better air connectivity,” said the UAE Ambassador to India on the sidelines of UAE-India CEPA Council business roundtable discussion in the capital city here today.

Alshaali also revealed that the UAE is interested to strengthen its economic ties with Odisha.

“As per the statistics, Odisha is the eighth largest trade partner of UAE in India. We are eager to elevate Odisha in terms of trade relation. We are interested to work with the state in the existing as well as new sectors,” he said.

Alshaali said the UAE has held CEPA council business roundtables in different states of India to facilitate trade and economic ties between the two countries.

“We visited multiple states and looked at what could be beneficial for both countries. Through our roundtables, we want to raise awareness about what CEPA can bring forward in terms of benefits to those particular states with focus on SMEs and startups,” he said.