Bhubaneshwar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and the Make in Odisha Exhibition in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said this was his second visit to Odisha in January 2025, recalling his visit to inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 event. He noted that this was the biggest business summit in Odisha to date, with five to six times more investors participating in Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. He congratulated the people and the government of Odisha for organising the grand event.
Eastern India is a growth engine in the country's development, and Odisha plays a key role in this, he said. He added that historic data shows that Eastern India made remarkable contributions when India played a major role in global growth. There were huge industrial hubs, ports, and trade centres in Eastern India, with Odisha playing a significant role. Odisha was an important centre in South East Asian trade, and its ports served as a gateway to India. Bali Yatra is still celebrated in Odisha today. Recalling the recent visit of the president of Indonesia to India, he mentioned how the president had remarked that there were probably traces of Odisha in his DNA.
Odisha celebrates a legacy that connects it with South East Asia, and the state has begun to revive its glorious heritage in the 21st century. The recent visit of the president of Singapore to Odisha reflects Singapore’s enthusiasm for strengthening ties with the state. ASEAN countries have also shown interest in strengthening trade and traditional connections with Odisha. Numerous opportunities are emerging in the region, more than ever before since independence. He urged investors to seize this opportunity and assured them that their investment in Odisha's development journey would lead to new heights of success.
India is on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people, he said, emphasising that AI stands for both artificial intelligence and the aspiration of India. Aspirations grow when people's needs are met, and over the past decade, crores of citizens have been empowered, strengthening the nation. Odisha represents this aspiration. Odisha is outstanding and symbolises the optimism and originality of new India. The state has immense opportunities, and its people have always shown a passion for outperforming. Recalling his experience of witnessing the skills, hard work, and honesty of people from Odisha in Gujarat, he expressed confidence that with new opportunities emerging, Odisha will soon achieve unprecedented development. He praised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi and his team for their efforts in accelerating Odisha's progress. The state is becoming a leader in industries such as food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, edutech, textiles, tourism, mining, and green energy.
India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, and the milestone of a five trillion-dollar economy is not far away. Over the past decade, India's strength in manufacturing has become evident. The expansion of India’s economy rests on two major pillars: an innovative service sector and quality products. The country cannot rely solely on exporting raw materials, and the entire ecosystem is being transformed with a new vision. The government is working to ensure that industries related to Odisha's resources are established within the state. The Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 aims to realise this vision.
The world is increasingly focusing on sustainable lifestyles and a green future. The potential for green jobs is growing significantly, and India is focusing on green technology, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen. These will power the energy security of a developed India. Odisha has immense potential in this regard, and national-level Green Hydrogen and Solar Power Missions have been launched. Significant policy decisions are being made to promote renewable energy industries in Odisha, with steps being taken for hydrogen energy production.
Alongside green energy, Odisha is expanding its petrochemical sector. Dedicated industrial parks and investment regions are being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur, creating significant investment opportunities. The Odisha government is making swift decisions and developing a new ecosystem based on the state’s strengths.
The 21st century is an era of connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity for India. Specialised infrastructure is being developed at an unprecedented scale and speed, making India a prime investment destination. Dedicated freight corridors are connecting the east and west coasts, providing faster access to the sea for previously landlocked regions. Dozens of industrial cities with plug-and-play facilities are being constructed. Similar opportunities are being enhanced in Odisha, with projects worth thousands of crores related to railway and highway networks underway. To reduce logistics costs for industries, ports are being connected to industrial clusters, and both the expansion of existing ports and the construction of new ones are taking place. Odisha is set to become one of the leading states in the blue economy.
India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains in a rapidly changing world. A robust domestic supply and value chain must be built to minimise the impact of global fluctuations. Both the government and industry have a role in this. Industries must support MSMEs and young startups, and research and innovation must drive growth. A vibrant research ecosystem is being created, with a special fund and a package for internships and skill development. Industries must collaborate with the government to benefit from this ecosystem. A strong research foundation and a skilled young workforce will directly benefit industry. The Odisha government and industry must work together to create a modern ecosystem that aligns with Odisha’s aspirations, providing new opportunities for youth and generating employment.
People across the world are eager to understand and learn about India, and Odisha is an excellent place for this. The state has a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. It offers a unique blend of faith, spirituality, forests, mountains, and the sea. Odisha is a model of development and heritage. G20 cultural events were held in Odisha, and the Konark Sun Temple’s wheel was part of the main event. Odisha’s 500-kilometre coastline, over 33% forest cover, and vast eco-tourism potential must be explored. India is focusing on initiatives like "Wed in India" and "Heal in India," and Odisha’s natural beauty makes it an ideal location for these.
India has immense potential for conference tourism. Venues like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi are becoming major centres for this sector. The concert economy is also a growing industry. India has a rich heritage of music, dance, and storytelling, and its large pool of young concert-goers creates significant opportunities. The demand for live events has increased over the past decade. The recent Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad highlight the growing market for live performances. International artists are increasingly drawn to India, and the concert economy is boosting tourism and employment. States and the private sector must focus on developing the necessary infrastructure and skills for this sector, including event management, artist grooming, and security.
India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) next month. This global event will showcase India's creative strength and contribute to economic growth. Odisha has immense potential to host such events.
Odisha plays a significant role in building a developed India. The people of Odisha are determined to build a prosperous state, and the Union government is providing full support. The prime minister noted that he has visited Odisha nearly 30 times and has travelled across most of its districts. He expressed his trust in Odisha’s potential and its people. Concluding his address, he said the investments made by all partners will elevate both their businesses and Odisha’s progress.
The governor of Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi, and union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw were present at the event.
BI Bureau
