As
Odisha gears up for its flagship investment summit, Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, industries minister Sampad Chandra Swain speaks to Ashok Pradhan, outlining the ambitious vision behind this two-day conclave scheduled for January 28-29. Excerpts:
1. What are the key investment goals for the Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, and how do you plan to achieve them?Our govt’s key investment goals are to attract significant domestic and international investments across prioritised sectors, secure commitments for high-impact projects, and enhance Odisha’s position as a leading industrial hub in India. To achieve this, a high-level team led by the chief minister organised targeted roadshows, sectoral roundtables, and direct engagement with heads of companies, where we showcased Odisha’s robust policies, industrial infrastructure, and the “EDGE” (Economy, Demography, Geography, Ecosystem) framework.
While Odisha has been a leader in the mining and metallurgy sector, we are expecting a large number of investments across employment-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel, IT/ITeS, chemicals and petrochemicals, as well as new-age sectors like green fuels, green energy equipment manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, and data centres during this Utkarsh Odisha.
2. How has the new BJP govt’s vision influenced the planning and objectives of this year’s conclave?Our govt aims to build a “Samrudh Odisha by 2036” by promoting industrialisation, generating jobs, and ensuring inclusive development. Our vision focuses on ease of doing business, improved investor confidence, and sustainable growth. This conclave reflects the double engine govt’s commitment to transparency, fast approvals, and a business-friendly environment.
3. Which sectors are being prioritised for investment at the conclave, and why?We are focusing on employment-intensive sectors like chemicals and petrochemicals, metal downstream, IT/ITeS, food processing, tourism, apparel, and textiles as the state already has strong foundations in these areas. Additionally, new-age sectors like electronics manufacturing, biotechnology, renewable energy, renewable energy equipment manufacturing, and green fuels are also being promoted to diversify the industrial base and tap into future-ready industries.
4. What new infrastructure projects are being proposed to support the anticipated investments?Apart from upgrading the three ports at Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, we are also developing new ports in places like Inchudi, Bahuda, and Subarnarekha. Other key proposals include industrial corridors, dedicated industrial parks, and cluster-specific zones for sectors like electronics, food processing, and textiles & apparel. Expansion of logistics infrastructure, including port connectivity, inland waterways, and a dual-feed Naphtha Cracker project, is also in focus to support seamless operations for industries.
5. What measures are being taken to improve the ease of doing business in Odisha and attract more investors?Odisha was ranked as the “Top Achiever” by DPIIT in Business Reform Action Plan rankings. Our single-window clearance system, GO-SWIFT, was further streamlined for faster approvals. The govt is digitising land allotment processes, offering pre-approved sites for industries, and appointing dedicated nodal officers. New policies are being designed to ensure that regulatory hurdles are minimised, and red tape is eliminated.
6. How is the state ensuring that the investments and projects are aligned with sustainable development goals?Today, Odisha is a pioneer in the Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia sector. Odisha is actively promoting green industries, renewable energy, and environment-friendly technologies. Our Industrial Policy Resolution incentivises industries adopting sustainable practices. Our policies also prioritise waste-to-energy projects, circular economy initiatives, and renewable energy adoption across sectors.
7. What impact do you expect the conclave to have on job creation and skill development in Odisha?The ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ conclave is expected to generate large-scale direct and indirect employment, particularly in manufacturing, IT, and logistics. Collaborations with industries will include commitments to workforce skilling programs, aligning with the govt’s focus on making Odisha a skilled workforce hub through partnerships with institutions and industry leaders.
8. Can you share more about the international participation expected at the conclave and how it will benefit Odisha?Delegations from across the globe are expected to be part of the Utkarsh Odisha, with strong participation from nations like Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Poland, the UK, the US, and many others. This will enhance Odisha’s global connectivity and open opportunities for technology transfer, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange. High-profile partnerships with global investors will further strengthen Odisha’s industrial growth.
9. How is Odisha leveraging technology and innovation to attract investments and drive industrial growth?The double engine govt is promoting Industry 4.0 technologies like automation, IoT, and AI across its industrial base. It established IT and startup hubs to support tech-driven innovation and offers incentives for companies investing in R&D and innovation. Technology-enabled governance, such as the GO-SWIFT portal, is also a key driver in attracting investments.
10. What are your long-term plans for making Odisha a leading industrial hub in India, and how does the Make in Odisha Conclave fit into this vision?Our long-term vision is for a developed Odisha by 2036, which aligns with the state’s centenary year of formation. We aim to make Odisha a global hub for industry, innovation, and inclusive development. Our focus is on fostering economic prosperity by leveraging Odisha’s rich natural and human resources, promoting diversified industrial growth, and building globally competitive industrial ecosystems. The Utkarsh Odisha is a key step toward this, as it seeks to attract high-value investments, catalyse large-scale employment, and create thriving industrial clusters.
This year’s conclave is not just about investment but also about transforming Odisha into an aspirational destination for global businesses, a state that exemplifies ease of doing business, and a leader in sustainable and inclusive growth by 2036.