Odisha Attracts Massive Investment Interest at Kolkata Roadshow
Odisha has successfully garnered investment intents worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore during a two-day investors' summit held in Kolkata on Friday and Saturday. Government officials confirmed the impressive figures, highlighting a major boost for the state's industrial landscape.
MoUs and Proposals Signal Strong Investor Confidence
The summit witnessed the signing of 27 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with a combined investment potential of Rs 81,864 crore. These agreements are expected to generate over 63,161 jobs across various sectors.
In addition to the signed MoUs, the state received 19 investment proposals amounting to Rs 18,453 crore. These proposals hold the potential to create more than 27,591 employment opportunities, further strengthening Odisha's economic prospects.
Chief Minister Outlines Vision for Industrial Growth
Addressing the Odisha Investors' Meet Roadshow at a Kolkata hotel, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized that eastern India is moving decisively from "potential to performance." He stated that Odisha is ready to co-anchor the next phase of industrial growth in the region under the vision of Purvodaya.
Majhi highlighted that growth in the eastern region would be collaborative rather than competitive. He explained that states would complement each other's strengths to build a strong eastern industrial corridor.
The Chief Minister underscored Odisha's financial strength and economic security. He noted that the state is rapidly transitioning from a resource-based economy to a value-addition and advanced manufacturing hub. This transformation is driven by speed, scale, and sustainability.
Strategic Advantages and Sectoral Focus
Majhi pointed to Odisha's strategic coastline and ports in Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur as key enablers of port-led industrialization. These facilities serve eastern and central India, providing logistical advantages for industries.
The roadshow featured 130 exclusive high-level meetings and 4 sectoral round-tables. Key discussions included:
- The hosiery, apparel accessories, and technical textile round-table, which saw participation from representatives of 18 companies.
- The metal ancillary, downstream, and engineering goods round-table, which attracted 22 companies.
While the government did not disclose the names of companies involved, officials revealed that the highest proposals were received in:
- Steel sector: Rs 28,000 crore
- Renewable energy sector: Rs 27,000 crore
MoUs were also signed in defence manufacturing (Rs 1,000 crore) and rare earth mineral processing (Rs 2,400 crore), showcasing diversification in investment interests.
Execution as the True Measure of Success
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that signing MoUs is only the first step. He stated that the real measure of success lies in execution on the ground. Majhi presented his roadmap for "Samruddha Odisha by 2036" and invited industries, particularly from West Bengal, Jharkhand, and the north-eastern states, to expand and grow with Odisha.
Next Steps: Translating Interest into Action
Following the successful Kolkata roadshow, the state government plans to host Enterprise Odisha in Rourkela on January 27-28. This event aims to translate the investment interest into concrete, on-ground outcomes, ensuring that the promises made during the summit materialize into tangible projects and job creation.
The investors' summit marks a significant milestone in Odisha's economic development journey, positioning the state as a key player in India's eastern industrial growth story.
