Bhubaneswar, Dec 22 (NationPress) Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Monday that the state is progressively establishing itself as a principal investment hub in the nation, fueled by proactive governance, investor-friendly policies, and strong infrastructure.

During a press conference following his attendance at a two-day Investors' Meet in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister revealed that two sector-focused roundtable meetings were conducted, targeting the pharmaceutical and defence sectors.

He shared that eight prominent pharmaceutical companies and 27 defence firms engaged in these discussions.

Additionally, Chief Minister Majhi reported that 73 meetings were held, including personalized interactions with 38 investors.

Throughout the two-day event, over 500 industrialists participated in discussions, expressing keen interest in investing in Odisha.

The meetings covered topics such as available infrastructure, state policies, and incentives for investments in drug and medical device manufacturing, defence products, renewable energy, electronics, IT, data centers, textiles, technical textiles, and precision manufacturing.

Chief Minister Majhi stated that 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the Hyderabad Investors' Meet, amounting to an investment of Rs 27,650 crore, projected to create employment for 15,905 individuals.

He further indicated that including MoUs and investment intent proposals, Odisha has attracted proposals totaling Rs 66,781 crore, with potential job creation for approximately 56,430 people.

Referring to the achievements of the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave, CM Majhi noted that investment proposals worth Rs 4,38,224 crore have been approved, leading to job opportunities for around 2,55,817 individuals.

He also mentioned that foundation stones for projects valued at Rs 2,10,000 crore have been laid, promising 1,63,725 employment opportunities.

During the Hyderabad Industrial Meet and Roadshow, extensive discussions occurred regarding investments in manufacturing, healthcare, defence, renewable energy, and textiles, along with reviews of government policies and the ease of establishing industries in Odisha.

"I personally engaged in dialogues on how industries can be set up in Odisha," he stated.

While visiting, the Chief Minister toured Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence located in Hyderabad.

CM Majhi noted that the Odisha team had discussions with BDL officials concerning the supply of components needed for missile and other defence product manufacturing by MSME companies in Odisha in the near future.

He announced that ground-breaking ceremonies for several significant projects will soon take place.

Moreover, investor meets are planned in Bengaluru and Kolkata shortly to further enhance investment in Odisha.

He concluded by stating that a thorough review will be conducted after the first anniversary of the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha initiative to evaluate project progress and achievements to date.