Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday met ambassadors, high commissioners, consul-generals, trade commissioners, and senior diplomats from 34 countries in New Delhi and showcased the opportunities available in Odisha for investment and growth. Majhi invited all of them to explore opportunities in industries, technology, tourism, and innovation.

Majhi attempted to carry forward the legacy left behind by his predecessor Naveen Patnaik, who had tried to bring investment to the state by organising such meets in different parts of the country, including on foreign soil.

Aiming to attract investment worth ₹ 5 lakh crore to the state in five years, Majhi presented proposals to both Indian and foreign delegates at the meeting.

As per the Majhi government, the event marked an important milestone in the lead-up to the much-anticipated business summit to be held in 2025. The only difference was that the Mohan Majhi government changed the name of the business summit from “Make in Odisha Conclave”, state’s flagship investor’s summit to “Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave.” The conclave is scheduled for January 28-29, 2025 in Bhubaneswar. The first “Make in Odisha Conclave” was organised in 2016.

The Delhi meet on Thursday showcased Odisha’s vibrant industrial ecosystem and highlighted new investment opportunities to a global audience. Highlighting state’s abundant natural resources and skilled workforce, Majhi invited of them to join the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, which will serve as a platform for collaboration and growth. “It will be an excellent platform for global businesses to explore Odisha and witness firsthand the vast potential that the state offers,” he said.

Besides focusing the strength of Odisha on minerals and metals, Majhi said, “ Odisha is emerging as destinations 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.

Before leaving for Delhi, Mahji pointed out how the state has received 45,000 crore proposals in the first 100 days.

“Notable nations included Indonesia, Norway, Singapore, China, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, the USA, Thailand, Vietnam, and the UK. In addition, nine foreign associations participated, reflecting the growing global interest in Odisha,” a press release issued by the Odisha government said.

Minister of Industries and Skill Development & Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain assured government’s commitment to provide a favourable business environment.

Chief secretary, Manoj Ahuja, said how Odisha is quickly becoming a global investment destination with its strong infrastructure, rich resources, skilled workforce, and progressive policies.

Odisha’s Principal Secretary Industries Hemant Sharma made a presentation highlighting various sectors that are open for investment. Ms. Jyoti Vij, the Director General of FICCI, who talked about the importance of collaboration.

Joint Secretary (States) at the Ministry of External Affairs, A. Ajay Kumar, assured the Centre’s support for Odisha’s development. Nivruti Rai, MD of Invest India, discussed the investment trends.