Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) today announced plans to set up an office in Bhubaneswar to boost IT and ITeS in eastern India.

The NASSCOM also reiterated its commitment to explore further opportunities to partner with the state government.

The announcements were made at the end of the NASSCOM's three-day leadership meet here on Monday.

NASSCOM chairman C P Gurnani said, "We are very encouraged by the proactive support of the state government. They have created the right environment for the growth of the industry, with conducive policies aimed at ease of doing business and we hope this momentum can be sustained through our collaborative efforts in future."

The programme, considered a platform for understanding the state's key initiatives and local industries, was attended by the country's top technology and BPM companies. Another programme "Make in Odisha" conclave would be held on November 30.

NASSCOM said it is immediately opening its office at Odisha Computer Applications centre (OCAC) in the city and the state government has promised to provide a land free of cost for construction of its new office.

Addressing the NASSCOM Executive Committee Off site here, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "Indian IT industry has been remarkable for two very special reasons.

One, it is the story of ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things. Two, it is the saga of what I call, "the patriotic businessman".

Stating that when great minds assemble at a sacred space to imagine a collective future, Patnaik said its impact has to be far reaching.

"Odisha needs people like you in every other sector, so that the goal of human development guides our individual and our collective consciousness," he said.