Bhubaneswar, Jan 20 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has confidently stated that Odisha's economy is now poised for the future and is set to emerge as a significant industrial powerhouse.

In a formal announcement made on Tuesday, the state government characterized the recent investor meetings held in Hyderabad and Kolkata as a tremendous success, drawing investments totaling Rs 1.67 lakh crore and creating 1.46 lakh job opportunities.

“Odisha is transitioning from a traditionally resource-centric economy to an advanced industrial powerhouse, showcasing robust momentum as the state intensifies its strategic focus on modern and technology-driven sectors. Yahi Samaya Hai, Sahi Samaya Hai. We invite investors engaged in cutting-edge sectors to come and invest in Odisha, joining us in our future-ready economy,” remarked CM Majhi following the successful Kolkata Road Show.

During the investor gatherings, six sector-specific roundtable discussions were held in Hyderabad and Kolkata. Official reports indicate that two roundtable meetings in Hyderabad centered around pharmaceuticals and aerospace and defense.

Meanwhile, in Kolkata, discussions focused on various sectors including hosiery, apparel accessories, technical textiles; metal ancillary, downstream and engineering goods; plastics, chemicals, packaging and recycling; and pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology.

A total of 123 company leaders participated in these discussions across both cities, resulting in the state securing investments of Rs 1,67,000 crore with the potential to produce 1,46,000 employment opportunities.

Traditionally recognized for its strengths in steel, mining, and heavy industries, Odisha is now progressively venturing into high-growth sectors such as IT and ITES, aerospace and defense, hosiery, apparel accessories, technical textiles, metal ancillary, downstream and engineering goods, plastics, chemicals, packaging and recycling, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology, thus marking a pivotal shift in its growth trajectory.

CM Majhi highlighted that Odisha possesses all vital components necessary for developing new-age industries, from ideation and innovation to execution, production, logistics, and transportation. For global connectivity, Odisha boasts major ports at Paradeep, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Bahuda, and Inchudi–Subarnarekha. The state also ensures extensive air connectivity through airports throughout Odisha, bolstered by a strong road network.

Recognizing the critical role of skilled manpower in emerging sectors, the Odisha Government plans to establish three additional world-class Skill Centres in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Berhampur, promoting region-balanced skill development and job creation.