Dubai: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reached Dubai on Wednesday after a high-impact investment outreach programme in Abu Dhabi, where the State government signed MoUs for 14 new projects with International Holding Company (IHC) and the Adani Group.
The Chief Minister received a warm welcome in Dubai from business representatives and members of the Odia diaspora living in the UAE. His Dubai visit is expected to focus on further strengthening Odisha’s engagement with global investors and showcasing the State as an emerging destination for large-scale industrial projects.
From Thursday, Majhi is scheduled to hold a series of high-level meetings with investors, industry leaders and business representatives, with discussions expected to centre on investment opportunities, industrial development and Odisha’s economic potential.
14 Projects Signed During Abu Dhabi Investment Outreach
The first phase of the Chief Minister’s UAE visit saw Odisha strengthen its engagement with major international business groups.
MoUs covering 14 new projects were signed with IHC and the Adani Group. The engagements are part of Odisha’s efforts to attract large investments and create employment opportunities across sectors.
The programme began with a roundtable discussion involving the business arm of International Holding Company (IHC) and its partner companies. The meeting followed the landmark agreement signed on July 2 and focused on taking forward discussions around major industrial investments in Odisha.
Integrated Aluminium Project Under Discussion
One of the major areas discussed was the proposed integrated aluminium project in Odisha.
During the meetings, potential locations for the project were examined. Land was also proposed for an alumina refinery in Kalyansinghpur tehsil of Rayagada district and an aluminium smelter in Sundargarh tehsil.
According to the information shared during the programme, the proposed projects could involve an estimated investment of approximately Rs 2,10,500 crore.
The projects also have the potential to generate employment opportunities for around 8,68,200 people, making the proposed investments significant not only from an industrial perspective but also in terms of livelihood generation.
Odisha-UAE Cooperation Framework for Trade and Investment
The Abu Dhabi programme also witnessed the establishment of a new cooperation framework aimed at strengthening commercial ties between Odisha and the UAE.
An MoU was signed between the Odisha government and the Indian Business and Professional Group (IBPG) to promote bilateral trade and facilitate investment opportunities in Odisha.
The discussions explored ways to increase the presence of Odisha-based products in international markets, particularly in the UAE.
Focus on Spices and Seafood Exports
Increasing exports from Odisha was another important component of the discussions.
The State highlighted the potential to expand exports of agricultural and marine products, including turmeric, ginger and seafood.
The participation of Odisha entrepreneurs in the programme provided an opportunity to showcase their businesses and explore connections with international buyers, investors and industry representatives.
Greater access to overseas markets could potentially benefit producers and businesses associated with Odisha’s agriculture, food processing and seafood sectors.
CM Majhi Highlights $11.5 Billion Aluminium Partnership
Speaking during the interaction with IHC leadership, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasised the potential for a long-term partnership between Odisha and IHC.
He referred to the proposed US$11.5 billion integrated aluminium partnership involving International Resources Holding and Adani Enterprises in Odisha, describing it as an important first step towards a larger investment relationship.
The Chief Minister stressed the broader possibilities of expanding cooperation and building a sustained industrial partnership between Odisha and international investors.
Business Community Optimistic About Odisha
The investment outreach also generated positive reactions from Odisha-linked business representatives operating in India and abroad.
Ruchi company Managing Director Arabinda Sahoo expressed optimism about the State’s future investment prospects. He said that, based on his experience, Odisha could see investments from more than 100 additional multinational companies over the next one to two years.
Dubai-based Odia industrialist Nanda Kumar also welcomed the Chief Minister’s engagement with the Odia diaspora and business community.
He said the visit was a matter of pride for the Odia community in the UAE and highlighted the excitement among business representatives about participating in Odisha’s development journey.
Ease of Doing Business Highlighted by Odisha Entrepreneur
The State’s business environment and government support were also highlighted during the programme.
FarrmB Director Rashmi Sahoo, who has 25 years of experience in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, praised Odisha’s business ecosystem.
She said that the State had provided significant support to businesses over the past two to three years, including subsidies, assistance and training programmes for employees.
According to her, the support available to enterprises across different business structures has contributed to an improved environment for expansion and investment.
Dubai Meetings to Focus on Global Investment Opportunities
With Chief Minister Majhi now in Dubai, the second phase of the UAE outreach is expected to focus on further interaction with international investors and industry representatives.
The government is expected to showcase Odisha’s industrial infrastructure, investment opportunities, skilled workforce and sectoral potential to the global business community.
The UAE visit comes as Odisha seeks to strengthen its international investment network and attract large-scale projects capable of generating employment and supporting industrial growth.
The proposed aluminium projects, trade cooperation framework and discussions with global businesses underline the State government’s efforts to position Odisha as a competitive destination for international investment.
