New Delhi: The Government of Odisha hosted two high-profile events today in New Delhi, highlighting the state’s robust industrial ecosystem and investment opportunities. These events serve as a significant prelude to the much-anticipated Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, scheduled for January 2025.
The day commenced with the Ambassadors’ Meet at ITC Maurya, drawing an esteemed audience of ambassadors, high commissioners, consul generals, trade commissioners, and senior diplomats. The event was chaired by Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, along with senior officials, including the Minister for Industries and Skill Development. The gathering provided an ideal platform to present Odisha’s vibrant industrial potential to the global diplomatic community.
Following the productive Ambassadors’ Meet, the focus shifted to an engaging curtain raiser and interactive session in the evening, held at the Taj Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri. In his keynote address, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized Odisha’s rapid transformation into an industrial hub, stressing the state’s commitment to job creation, investor-friendly policies, and business security. He extended an open invitation for global partnerships at the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, positioning the state as a prime destination for international investments.
A notable highlight of the evening was a speech by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, who assured the full backing of the central government in facilitating key projects in Odisha. He urged industries to incorporate tribal communities in their growth strategies through employment opportunities, sustainable ventures, and educational initiatives, ensuring inclusive development for the state’s future.
Chief Secretary of Odisha, Manoj Ahuja, set the context for the evening by reflecting on Odisha’s emergence as an industrial hub under the leadership of Chief Minister Majhi. He pointed to the state’s success in Ease of Doing Business reforms, which have streamlined business operations through advanced digital platforms and district-level investment facilitation agencies. Ahuja encouraged global stakeholders to partner with Odisha for mutual growth and shared prosperity.
The session also featured a Make in Odisha 2025 video that showcased the state’s vast potential. Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of Industries, provided an in-depth overview of Odisha’s industrial ecosystem, highlighting progressive policies and the skilled workforce driving sustainable growth, particularly in the MSME sector.
Prominent industry leaders, including Harish Ahuja, Chairman of Shahi Exports, Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director of Dalmia Bharat Group, and A.S. Sahney, Director of IOCL, shared their positive experiences of conducting business in Odisha and outlined opportunities for future collaboration.