Odisha gets Rs 26,000 crore investment intents at Japan business meet

BHUBANESWAR: The state received investment intents of Rs 26,000 crore during a business meet in Tokyo in which chief minister Naveen Patnaik highlighted how the state is becoming the fulcrum of trade and commerce in the Bay of Bengal region.
Showcasing the measures taken by the state government to support industries looking to cater to the untapped markets in eastern and northeastern India, as well as markets in ASEAN and East Asia regions, Naveen said, "As we enter a new era of industrialisation propelled by advancements in technology and a philosophy of sustainability, we require a collaborative effort between the governments, industries and people to ensure consistent growth."
More than 200 industry leaders from the Indo-Pacific region attended the meeting. The CM said Odisha, known for its rich culture and tradition, is transforming into a modern industrial hub.
"While my government is focused on providing the best-in-class facilitation to all investors coming to Odisha, we are also deeply committed to protecting our rich cultural history," he said. Speaking to a nation where Buddhism is a major religion, the CM said renovation and restoration of Buddhist pilgrimage sites have been the key agenda of his government.
I am happy to say that we are transforming sites like Dhauli, Udaygiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri. I request all my Japanese friends to visit Odisha and experience the change. Come, Invest in Odisha, Invest in the future. Come, Join the Juggernaut," he said.
Naveen said Odisha is one of the fastest growing economies in India and is fast emerging as a major industrial destination in India because of its natural resources and strategic location. "Odisha's abundant natural resources, skilled and productive human resource, progressive policies and strong result-oriented governance provide a unique ecosystem," he told the potential investors.
Industry secretary Hemant Sharma said the investment proposals came in sectors such as logistics, metal ancillary, steel, metal downstream, green hydrogen and green ammonia, green energy equipment manufacturing and IT and IT-enabled services.
Kazuya Nakajo, executive vice-president of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) also highlighted Odisha's strategic location and natural resource advantage as a key to it being an attractive investment destination for Japanese investors.