Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday welcomed the invitees to the investors’ summit in the run-up to the state’s flagship investment summit ‘Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ scheduled on January 28-29 in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the potential investors, ambassadors of foreign countries, captains of industries, and senior officials, Majhi said, “Odisha has historically been a gateway between India and the world. With a coastline stretching over 480 km, Odisha has been a vibrant centre of maritime activity for centuries.”
“Our ancestors established trade routes that connected us with southeast and east Asia and extended further to distant regions in Europe and the Middle East,” he said, adding, “This deep-rooted tradition of global engagement continues in modern times. Odisha is now an emerging destination for investments from diverse sectors, and geographies. Bhubaneswar, our capital, is rapidly evolving into a hub of technology, innovation, and culture, while maintaining its status as the ‘Temple City of India,’ preserving the essence of our spiritual heritage.”
“We are a state of immense natural wealth. Rich deposits of minerals like iron ore, bauxite, nickel, chromite, and coal, along with vast forest and water resources, have made Odisha a key player in India’s mineral and metal-based industries. But the true strength of Odisha lies in its people. We are home to a growing, highly skilled workforce that is ready to meet the demands of modern industries, supported by robust infrastructure and a responsive and forward-thinking government,” the Chief Minister added.
Over the past few years, Odisha’s economy has been evolving. While the state continues to rely on minerals and metals, it is now actively diversifying into new, fast-growing sectors, Majhi pointed out.
“Odisha is emerging as a destination for industries that are human skill-driven and demand-focused, such as apparel, technical textiles, food processing, chemicals, petrochemicals, IT, renewable energy, green fuels and electronics manufacturing. This transition is central to our vision of becoming a leader in sustainable economic development,” the Chief Minister said.
Elaborating further, he said, “Odisha’s commitment to human capital development is evident through the outstanding achievements of our workforce.”
At the 47th World Skills competition, 16 of the 60 members of India’s contingent were from Odisha, and they brought home 2 gold medals, a testament to the talent and potential of Odisha’s youth. This success reflects our state’s commitment to skill development, ensuring that Odisha remains a key contributor to India’s pool of skilled workforce.
Stating that in addition to being a land of opportunity, Odisha is also a land of incredible natural beauty, Majhi emphasised, “ From our pristine beaches along the Bay of Bengal to the Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India, and our vibrant forests and wildlife sanctuaries, Odisha offers an unmatched experience for visitors. Our state is home to monuments such as the Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and vibrant cultural festivals that reflect the deep historical and spiritual legacy of our land.”
“As we prepare for the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, I extend a warm invitation to all of you to join us in this journey. We look forward to partnering with your great nations, to explore opportunities for investment, trade, and collaboration, Majhi said, adding, “I urge you to carry this message back to your countries and encourage your business communities to explore Odisha as an investment destination. Odisha is on the move, and together, we can shape a future of shared prosperity.”
