Odisha CM Discusses Strengthening US-Odisha Ties with Consul General

Bhubaneswar: The Consul General of the United States at Hyderabad, Jennifer Larson, met with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today at Lok Seva Bhawan to explore opportunities for enhancing the partnership between the US and the Indian state of Odisha.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration in several sectors, including industries, education, renewable energy, tourism, and culture. He underscored Odisha’s advantages, such as a skilled workforce, abundant land, water, and energy resources, as key factors that could attract more US industries to the region.

The Chief Minister specifically invited US industries to participate in the upcoming Utkarsh Utkal Conclave, formerly known as Make-in-Odisha, scheduled to take place in six to seven months. He also expressed interest in establishing collaborations with US universities in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and proposed partnerships between US and Odisha universities to enhance higher education.

Additionally, Chief Minister Majhi requested US investment to establish a semiconductor industry in Odisha and extended an invitation for American companies to explore the state’s vast potential, vibrant culture, rich heritage, and natural beauty. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and strengthening people-to-people connections between the two regions.

Consul General Jennifer Larson congratulated Chief Minister Majhi on his recent appointment and expressed enthusiasm for the growing industrial climate in Odisha. She affirmed the US’s interest in partnering with Odisha across various sectors in alignment with the state’s priorities. Larson also praised Odisha’s vibrant culture and committed to supporting the state’s developmental goals.

The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner Anu Garg and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunja Bihari Dhal, among others. The discussions mark a significant step in bolstering bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation between the US and Odisha.