Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will embark on a two-day trip to Mumbai from October 18, as part of the groundwork for ‘Utkarsh Odisha’, the state’s premier business summit, which will take place here on January 28 and 29.
According to sources, a series of roadshows have been planned in the financial capital of India to foster partnerships and attract investments for the upcoming event, by showcasing the potential and opportunities available in Odisha. The CM will also hold discussions with key investors regarding the establishment of a mega steel plant in Keonjhar.
Speaking to the media, Industries Minister Sampad Swain said the CM will be attending India Chem, a programme being organised by the central government, on October 18. “Top chemical industries of our country will participate. Chances are high that such industries may come to Paradip, Gopalpur and Dhamra,” he said.
On October 19, heads of over 300 industries, including garment, apparel, textile and renewable energy, will participate in a programme. “There will be a roadshow as well. This apart, financial institutions and banking sectors have also been invited for a discussion,” he added.
On establishment of a mega steel plant in Keonjhar district, the Minister said a task force under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary has been formed to speed up the process. “It has been directed to earmark two locations for the proposed steel plant. Discussions with mega players in the steel sector are also underway. Though the previous government had announced the project, nothing happened thereafter. A mega steel plant will definitely come up in Keonjhar district under the BJP regime,” he said.
Earlier this month, on October 2, Majhi visited Delhi, where he held discussions with ambassadors, high commissioners, consul-generals, trade commissioners, senior diplomats and business communities of 34 countries and invited them to the signature investment summit of Odisha. He also held one-on-one meetings with delegations of industry bodies such as FICCI, CII, associations of auto-parts and apparels, among others.
He also led a roadshow, urging investors to participate in the ‘Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’.
Stating that the his government set a target to attract Rs 5 lakh crore investment in next five years and emerge as the favourite destination of investors, he had added that the success of the forthcoming event will lay the foundation stone for making Odisha a ‘prosperous state’ by 2036 and developed state by 2047.