Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday invited industry leaders from Gujarat to invest in Odisha, emphasising the state’s long-term competitive advantages, strategic location, and skilled workforce.
Speaking at the Odisha Investors’ Meet in Ahmedabad during a three-day business visit, Majhi delivered a clear message that the state is prepared to spearhead the next chapter of India’s industrial expansion, inviting businesses to grow within its future-ready ecosystem.
“We are here with a clear message that Odisha is ready for the next chapter of India’s industrial growth. We invite industry to explore, invest, and grow with us as we build a future-ready industrial ecosystem,” he said.
The Chief Minister drew a parallel between the two regions, stating that while Gujarat has traditionally powered India’s west, Odisha is now positioned to power the east. He noted that for forward-looking industries, the state offers more than just a momentary opportunity—it provides a platform for scale, speed, and strategic access to the country’s next frontier of growth.
Addressing specific sectors, Majhi highlighted that while Gujarat has long led in textiles, Odisha is rapidly emerging as a strong competitor backed by policy-driven growth and a supportive environment. He clarified that the state is not limited to a single sector, as the government is focused on building integrated industrial ecosystems that allow for sustainable innovation and long-term expansion.
The state is currently making significant strides in diverse fields, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics manufacturing, tourism, and logistics. Majhi underscored that Odisha’s geography serves as a primary strategic asset, offering direct access to the Bay of Bengal and the Indo-Pacific growth corridor through its extensive coastline and operational ports.
The CM said Odisha’s geography is a strategic advantage. “With a long coastline and operational ports, we offer direct access to the Bay of Bengal and the Indo-Pacific growth corridor, creating a strong platform for global connection and trade,” he said.
To reassure potential investors, the Chief Minister promised swift approvals for proposals and a faster implementation timeline for projects under his administration. Prior to addressing the general gathering, he conducted round-table conferences to engage directly with business leaders and discuss specific investment opportunities.
Two sectoral roundtables, including a Textile Round Table, and direct interactions with industry leaders were held to discuss investment opportunities, policy support, and facilitation mechanisms, an official release stated.
During sectoral interactions, particularly in textiles, CM Majhi highlighted the deep cultural and economic connect between Odisha and Gujarat.
“From the sacred land of Lord Jagannath in Puri to the revered Dwarka of Gujarat, our states share enduring cultural and civilisational ties,” the release quoted him as saying.
The Chief Minister was joined by a high-level delegation, including Industries and Skill Development Minister Sampad Chandra Swain and Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
Swain reiterated that Odisha is positioning itself as a future-ready hub, supported by robust port-led logistics and stable policies aimed at fostering inclusive growth.
The Odisha government will continue its focused investor outreach to strengthen industry connection and accelerate industrial development, he said.
