THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

AHMEDABAD, MAY 5, 2026

 “Gujarat has powered India’s west. Odisha is now ready to power India’s east offering scale, speed, and strategic access to the next frontier of growth. For industries looking ahead, Odisha presents not just an opportunity, but a long-term competitive advantage.”

With this strong and forward-looking message, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday addressed the Odisha Investors’ Meet Roadshow in Ahmedabad, marking a significant step in the State’s national outreach to position Odisha as a preferred destination for next-generation industrial growth under the vision of Purvodaya.

The first day of the Chief Minister’s visit to Gujarat witnessed robust participation from industry leaders, business associations, and institutional stakeholders, reflecting growing confidence in Odisha’s evolving industrial ecosystem. More than 500 industry representatives attended the event, underlining heightened interest in the State’s industrial prospects.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that India’s next phase of economic expansion will be stronger and more balanced with the rise of eastern India, placing Odisha at the centre of this transformation.

“We are here with a clear message 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 high-level delegation accompanying the Chief Minister included Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, ACS Industries, Home and I&PR Hemant Sharma, along with senior officials of the Government of Odisha. The visit marks the beginning of a three-day investment outreach programme aimed at strengthening East-West industrial linkages.

The roadshow featured focused engagements, including two sectoral roundtables — most notably a Textile Round Table — and direct interactions with industry leaders. These platforms enabled meaningful dialogue on investment opportunities, policy frameworks, and facilitation mechanisms offered by the State.

Demonstrating Odisha’s investor-centric governance approach, the Chief Minister chaired 26 one-on-one meetings with leading industrialists. These discussions spanned a wide spectrum of sectors, reflecting Odisha’s expanding capabilities across both traditional industries and emerging domains.

During sectoral interactions, particularly in textiles, the Chief Minister 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. Gujarat has long been a leader in textiles, and Odisha is emerging strongly with a supportive ecosystem, skilled workforce, and policy-driven growth,” he said.

Reinforcing the State’s broader industrial vision, he added, “Odisha is not defined by a single sector. We are building integrated industrial ecosystems that enable industries to invest, expand, innovate, and grow sustainably over the long term.”

Highlighting Odisha’s competitive edge, the Chief Minister stressed its strategic geography. “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 connectivity and trade.”

Underscoring the State’s governance philosophy, he noted, “Investors come where there is trust in intent, in systems, and in leadership. In Odisha, we are committed to ensuring that intent translates into action through transparency, responsiveness, and delivery.”

Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said that Odisha is steadily positioning itself as a future-ready industrial hub, backed by robust infrastructure, port-led logistics, stable policy frameworks, and a facilitation-driven approach focused on enabling sustainable and inclusive growth.

Following successful engagements across key cities, the Government of Odisha will continue its targeted investor outreach to deepen industry connect and accelerate industrial development. The Ahmedabad roadshow stands as a strong testament to Odisha’s rising prominence in India’s industrial landscape, anchored in strategic location, progressive governance, and a clear vision for the future.