THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
JANUARY 20, 2026
Odisha’s transformation from a
resource-driven economy into a future-ready industrial powerhouse is gathering
pace, with the state sharpening its strategic focus on new-age and
technology-led sectors to drive the next phase of growth. Riding on strong
investor confidence generated through recent outreach programmes, Chief
Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored the state’s readiness to welcome
cutting-edge industries, stating, “Yahi Samaya Hai, Sahi Samaya Hai. We welcome
investors who are operating in new-edge sectors. Come and invest in Odisha and
be a part of a future-ready economy,” following the success of the Kolkata Road
Show.
Traditionally known for its
strength in steel, mining and heavy industries, Odisha is now steadily
diversifying into high-growth sectors such as IT & ITES, Aerospace &
Defence, Hosiery, Apparel Accessories & Technical Textiles, Metal
Ancillary, Downstream & Engineering Goods, Plastics, Chemicals, Packaging
& Recycling, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Biotechnology. This shift
marks a decisive change in the state’s industrial trajectory, aligning it with
emerging national and global economic trends.
The momentum of this transition
was clearly reflected during the Odisha Investors’ Meets held in Hyderabad in
December 2025 and Kolkata in January 2026, which showcased the state’s
expanding opportunities across modern sectors. Organised under the leadership
of the Chief Minister, these interactions reinforced Odisha’s preparedness to
align with future industrial and economic opportunities.
As part of the outreach, six
sector-specific roundtable discussions were conducted across the two cities,
with Hyderabad hosting focused deliberations on Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace
& Defence, while Kolkata saw discussions on Hosiery, Apparel Accessories
& Technical Textiles; Metal Ancillary, Downstream & Engineering Goods;
Plastics, Chemicals, Packaging & Recycling; and Pharmaceuticals, Medical
Devices & Biotechnology. A total of 123 company leaders participated in
these engagements, resulting in investment proposals worth ₹1.67
lakh crore, with
the potential to generate around 1.46 lakh employment opportunities.
The strong interest from
industry leaders has created a powerful wave of opportunity, reflecting growing
confidence in Odisha’s investor-friendly ecosystem. This confidence, officials
noted, is a result of centred, decisive and reform-oriented leadership,
positioning the state as a preferred investment destination in eastern India.
Aligned with the national
vision of Purvodaya, Odisha’s aspiration of becoming Samruddha Odisha by 2036
and contributing to Viksit Bharat by 2047, the state has entered the new-age
sector space with clarity and confidence. Highlighting its competitive
advantages, the Chief Minister said Odisha offers all essential components for
the development of new-edge industries, from ideation and innovation to
implementation, production, logistics and transportation. The state’s global
connectivity is strengthened by major ports at Paradeep, Dhamra, Gopalpur,
Bahuda and Inchudi–Subarnarekha, complemented by expanding air connectivity and
robust road infrastructure.
Dedicated industrial parks,
MSME parks and Special Economic Zones provide plug-and-play facilities for
investors to start and scale operations efficiently. Recognising the critical
role of skilled manpower in emerging sectors, the Government of Odisha has also
announced plans to establish three more world-class Skill Centres in
Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Berhampur to ensure region-balanced skill
development and employment generation.
Reiterating his invitation to
global and domestic investors, the Chief Minister called upon industry leaders
to “Come to Odisha and be a part of this success story.” With strong policy
support, world-class infrastructure, focused skill development initiatives and
rising investor confidence, Odisha is firmly positioning itself as a
future-ready investment destination in India’s eastern corridor.
