The main objective of the study was to capture the current investment situation in Orissa and to compare changes in the experiences of businesses. The study was done on behalf of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) under the DFID funded programme for implementation of Industrial Policy Resolution-2001 by the Government of Orissa. The information furnished by the study would help UNIDO in assessing the impact of various policies and acts on investors and in capturing business perceptions and experiences on the process of setting up of industries. The study aims to determine the effect of Orissa’s current business and investment environment on its ability to attract and facilitate investments into the State.

An investment climate assessment (ICA) survey was conducted among the micro enterprises in all the four regions (North, South, East and West) of the country on behalf of the World Bank using a rigorous, standardized approach to measure investment climate conditions in the country. The results were used to compare the findings across countries. The standard approach allowed consistent global comparisons. But it also permitted flexibility, with modules that can be adapted to the needs of each country. Structured questionnaires were designed and finalized in consultation with the World Bank officials. The survey was conducted with owners/ heads of micro enterprises in 10 major industrial sectors identified by the World Bank. The assignment was awarded to MDRA in cognizance of its unique multi-stage sampling approach. In fact, post survey MDRA was rated as the “Best Market Research Organization” in the country by the World Bank officials in terms of competency, quality of fieldwork, responsiveness and sampling design across the country.