Bhubaneswar (Special Correspondent, The Fact Bureau): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday invited business leaders from Gujarat to invest in Odisha, highlighting the state’s strategic advantages, industry-friendly policies, and skilled workforce.
Speaking at the Odisha Investors’ Meet in Ahmedabad during his three-day visit, Majhi said Odisha is prepared to play a major role in the next phase of India’s industrial expansion. He urged industries to explore opportunities in the state, emphasizing its readiness to support long-term, sustainable growth.
Drawing a comparison, the Chief Minister noted that while Gujarat has been a driving force behind industrial development in western India, Odisha is now poised to emerge as a key growth engine in the eastern region. He said the state offers not just immediate investment opportunities but also a strong long-term competitive edge.
Majhi underlined that Odisha’s industrial growth is not limited to a single sector. Instead, the government is focusing on building integrated ecosystems that allow industries to invest, scale operations, and innovate. Key sectors witnessing rapid progress include petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics manufacturing, tourism, and logistics.
Odisha’s Geographical Strengths
He also pointed to Odisha’s geographical strengths, noting that its extensive coastline and functional ports provide direct access to the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indo-Pacific trade corridor, enhancing its global connectivity.
Reassuring investors, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to ensuring faster approvals and efficient implementation of projects. As part of the outreach, he held roundtable meetings with industry representatives in Ahmedabad, including focused discussions on the textile sector.
During these interactions, Majhi also highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Odisha and Gujarat, referencing connections between Puri, home to Lord Jagannath, and Dwarka, a revered pilgrimage site.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and senior officials from the state government.
Swain said Odisha is steadily positioning itself as a future-ready industrial hub, backed by strong infrastructure, port-led logistics, stable policies, and a proactive facilitation approach. He added that the government will continue targeted investor outreach efforts to deepen industry partnerships and accelerate industrial growth in the state.
