CMO: Investor focus shifted from traditional to new-age sectors in state

Bhubaneswar: The chief minister’s office on Tuesday said the recent investors’ meets led by CM Mohan Charan Majhi in Hyderabad and Kolkata have given a strong boost to Odisha’s investment drive, signalling a shift from traditional industries to new-age sectors.

The twin meets held in Dec and Jan together drew investment proposals worth Rs 1.67 lakh crore, with the potential to generate 1.46 lakh jobs, a CMO release said.

Odisha’s transition from a resource-driven economy to a future-ready industrial hub is gaining pace as the state sharpens its focus on technology-led and high-growth sectors.

Commenting on the outcome of the Kolkata roadshow, the CMO quoted Majhi as saying, “Yahi samaya hai, sahi samaya hai. We welcome investors operating in new-edge sectors. Come and invest in Odisha and be part of a future-ready economy.”

Traditionally known for steel, mining and heavy industries, Odisha is now expanding into modern sectors such as IT & ITES, aerospace and defence, hosiery, apparel accessories and technical textiles, metal ancillaries and downstream engineering goods, plastics, chemicals, packaging and recycling, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechnology, signalling a decisive shift in its growth trajectory.

The change was reflected in the Odisha Investors’ Meets in Hyderabad on Dec 18 to 19, 2025, and in Kolkata on Jan 17 to 18, which showcased the state’s investment potential across emerging sectors, the CMO said.

As part of the outreach, six sector-specific roundtable discussions were held across the two cities. While Hyderabad hosted sessions on pharmaceuticals and aerospace & defence, Kolkata saw discussions on textiles, metal downstream and engineering goods, plastics and chemicals, packaging and recycling, and pharma, medical devices and biotechnology.

In all, 123 company leaders participated in the roundtables, translating the engagement into investment proposals of Rs 1.67 lakh crore and employment potential of 1.46 lakh jobs, officials said.

The strong investor response, the CMO said, reflects growing confidence in Odisha under the decisive and reform-oriented leadership of the chief minister, positioning the state as a preferred investment destination.

Aligned with the Purvodaya vision, Odisha’s goal 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.

Majhi said Odisha offers a complete industrial ecosystem—from innovation and production to logistics and transportation—with global connectivity through major ports at Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Bahuda and Inchudi–Subarnarekha, besides expanding air and road infrastructure.

The state also offers plug-and-play facilities through dedicated industrial parks, MSME parks and SEZs. To strengthen the talent pipeline, the govt will set up three additional world-class skill centres in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Berhampur, ensuring region-balanced skill development.

Inviting industry leaders to partner in Odisha’s growth story, the chief minister reiterated his call to investors to “come to Odisha and be part of this success story.”