The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 28, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and the Make in Odisha Exhibition in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the state’s development journey.
In his address, PM Modi underlined the crucial role of eastern India, particularly Odisha, as a growth engine in India’s economic development. He emphasized that Odisha is witnessing an unprecedented surge of opportunities, presenting a unique moment for investments that will drive the state’s progress to new heights.
The Prime Minister called on industry leaders gathered at the conclave to seize the opportunity and invest in Odisha, which he believes is on the brink of becoming one of the leading states in sectors such as food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, textiles, tourism, mining, and green energy.
Sharing his personal experiences, PM Modi spoke of his time in Gujarat, where he witnessed the skills, hard work, and honesty of people from Odisha. “With the emerging opportunities in Odisha, the state is set to scale unprecedented levels of development,” he said.
PM Modi also noted the government’s initiative to establish industries that process Odisha’s resources within the state, ensuring value addition that benefits the local economy. He emphasized that the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 is a vital platform for realizing this vision, attracting an impressive number of investors — five to six times more than previous summits.
Highlighting the importance of a resilient supply chain in India, PM Modi urged the need for a robust domestic supply and value chain to reduce dependence on global fluctuations. The Prime Minister stressed that both the government and industries must work together to create a conducive environment for growth, focusing on MSMEs, startups, and research and innovation.
He also emphasized the importance of a skilled young workforce, stating that the central government is creating a vibrant research ecosystem through a special fund and internship programs. The Prime Minister urged industries and the Odisha government to collaborate in building a modern ecosystem aligned with Odisha’s aspirations.
Focusing on sustainability, PM Modi pointed out the increasing global push towards green jobs, highlighting India’s focus on renewable energy, particularly solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen. He noted that Odisha has vast potential in this area, with policy initiatives being implemented to promote renewable energy industries and hydrogen energy production.
PM Modi also discussed the expansion of the petrochemical sector, with industrial parks and investment regions being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur to boost investment in this sector. He also stressed the untapped potential of Odisha’s tourism, urging the state to leverage its natural beauty, including its 500-km coastline, forest cover, and eco-tourism possibilities.
He concluded by highlighting India’s focus on “Wed in India” and “Heal in India” initiatives, urging states and the private sector to strengthen the necessary infrastructure and skills for the emerging conference and event economy.
