Bhubaneswar: Odisha marked a major milestone in its industrial expansion with the signing of 45 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹6,263 crore at the Odisha Pharma Summit 2025 in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The investment proposals are expected to generate 38,406 employment opportunities across the state, giving a significant boost to the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at a programme held at Hotel Taj Vivanta. Of the total agreements, 32 MoUs were signed in the pharmaceuticals sector, 12 in medical equipment manufacturing, while one MoU was executed for a landmark industrial park proposal, underscoring Odisha’s growing focus on high-value and knowledge-based industries.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Odisha is poised to emerge as a major pharmaceutical hub in eastern India, with an emphasis on producing high-quality medicines and medical devices for improved healthcare and treatment outcomes. He said the state government is committed to making Odisha the first choice for investors by creating a robust, industry-friendly ecosystem while simultaneously promoting non-traditional sectors.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched the Odisha Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Policy 2025 and laid the foundation stone for a dedicated Pharma Park and a Medical Devices Park in Khordha. He said the new policy is among the best in the country and provides comprehensive incentives covering research, capital investment, infrastructure development and employment generation, which will help the pharma sector scale new heights in the coming years.
Majhi said that while metals, minerals and chemicals have traditionally been the backbone of Odisha’s industrial economy, the state is now placing greater emphasis on infrastructure development, renewable energy and a knowledge-driven economy to make growth more people-centric. Over the last one and a half years, Odisha has witnessed significant diversification in industrial investment, with capital inflows in sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, green energy, fintech, electronics, semiconductors, textiles and tourism. He said that with the launch of the new policy initiatives, a new chapter has now begun in the pharma sector as well.
Expressing confidence in Odisha’s global aspirations, the Chief Minister said the state aims to connect its industries with global value chains and establish a distinct identity in the international industrial landscape. He added that in terms of quality and value, pharma products manufactured in Odisha would be among the most attractive in the world, further strengthening the state’s reputation in medical technology production.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Odisha’s inherent strengths, stating that the state offers all essential requirements for industrial growth, including abundant mineral resources, three major ports, two commercial airports, a 575-kilometre-long coastline, a strong rail and road network, surplus power supply, adequate water resources and a pool of trained manpower. These advantages, he said, position Odisha to emerge as the manufacturing hub of eastern India.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Industries and Skill Development Sampad Chandra Swain said the Odisha Pharma Summit 2025 reflects the state’s development-oriented industrial vision. He said that progressive policies, dedicated industrial parks and a skilled workforce are creating a conducive environment for pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers to invest and grow in Odisha.
Among those present at the programme were Mahakalapada MLA Durga Prasanna Nayak, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Development Commissioner Anu Garg. Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries and Information & Public Relations Department Hemant Sharma delivered the welcome address, while Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathy S proposed the vote of thanks.
