Bhubaneswar, March 13 (NationPress) Chief Secretary Anu Garg stated on Friday that the state is poised to realize its ambitious goal of a Viksit Odisha by 2036 by leveraging its significant blue economy potential.

While inaugurating the Global Summit on Blue Economy 2026 at the Lok Seva Bhawan, Garg emphasized the capacity of ocean-based sectors to stimulate economic expansion. She pointed out Odisha’s EDGE—strong economic fundamentals, favorable demographics, strategic geographic location, and a solid state ecosystem—along its 575 km coastline.

She articulated the aspiration for Odisha to contribute 5 percent to the national GDP by 2047, with substantial contributions anticipated from fisheries, maritime infrastructure, coastal tourism, and marine biotechnology via OMBIRC (Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor).

In her closing remarks, Garg reaffirmed the vision of “Think India, Think Odisha,” positioning the state as a burgeoning center for growth and innovation in the Blue Economy.

During the event, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, underlined the extensive potential of the oceans, noting that over 95 percent of the deep ocean remains unexplored worldwide. He highlighted the prospects in sectors such as offshore energy and marine biotechnology, alongside the challenges posed by climate change, coastal erosion, and marine pollution. He stressed the necessity for enhanced research and innovation to sustainably tap into ocean resources.

The Ambassador of Timor-Leste to India, Karlito Nunes, who participated in the summit, shared insights regarding his nation’s commitment to fortifying marine and coastal sectors and underscored the significance of international collaboration and partnerships in fostering Blue Economy initiatives.

An official statement indicated that the two-day event will include discussions on pivotal sectors such as fisheries and mariculture, marine biodiversity, climate resilience, maritime security, marine pollution, offshore energy, deep-sea mining, marine biotechnology, and AI-driven ocean intelligence. Students, researchers, and faculty will also engage, with abstracts featured in the conference souvenir.

Selected research contributions will be eligible for publication and recognition in collaboration with Taylor and Francis. The summit aligns with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat @2047, while underscoring Odisha’s expanding role as a hub for innovation and sustainable ocean-based industries, bolstered by its extensive coastline and strategic maritime position.