Bhubaneswar: Odisha secured investment proposals worth Rs 16.73 lakh crore for 593 proposed projects during the two-day Utkarsh Odisha investors' summit, marking a significant increase from last year's Rs 10.5 lakh crore, chief minister

Mohan Charan Majhi

announced Wednesday.
The investment intents include 145 MoUs signed worth Rs 12.89 lakh crore and an additional 448 proposals of Rs 3.84 lakh crore. The investment pledges, comparable to the combined total of the state's previous three flagship summits (Rs 2.03 lakh crore in 2016, Rs 4.19 lakh crore in 2018 and Rs 10.5 lakh crore in 2022) have the potential to create more than 12 lakh jobs.
"These investments across 16 sectors in which MoUs were signed are expected to generate over 8.94 lakh job opportunities creating a significant socio-economic impact and ensuring inclusive growth across the state," said Majhi. The sectors include chemicals and petrochemicals, textiles, mining and metallurgy, renewable energy, IT & ITeS, tourism and food processing. The other proposals have a potential to create 3.92 lakh jobs.
The CM hailed the success of the state's flagship biennial investment conclave, emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal endorsement as a significant milestone for Odisha's economic growth.

"The Prime Minister's presence and his message to global industries that ‘Odisha is the best' and ‘an excellent place for investment' marks a watershed moment for our state," the CM said at the concluding session of the conclave.
Majhi also emphasised the benefits of the double-engine govt, noting that this cooperation brings Odisha closer to its goal of becoming one of India's top five economies. "The Prime Minister's unwavering support demonstrates the central govt's commitment to Odisha's industrial growth," he added.
The industry department led with 81 MoUs, while the energy department secured 25 agreements. Other participating departments included commerce and transport, handloom, textiles and handicrafts, science and technology, and electronics and IT.
The summit attracted representatives from 16 countries, including partner nations Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, establishing Odisha as an emerging global investment destination.
Day two of the summit focused on regional industries, featuring discussions on weaving and apparel, renewable energy, skill development, women's entrepreneurship, tourism, circular economy, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and industrial infrastructure.
The ‘Skilled in Odisha' session addressed strategies for workforce development, while discussions on renewable energy and circular economy highlighted the state's commitment to sustainable development.
"We are committed to building a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and contributing significantly to a developed India by 2047," the CM affirmed, emphasising the state's long-term development vision.