PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ Conclave 2025, Highlighting Odisha’s Growth Potential, Business Opportunities, & Role in India’s Development
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Bhubaneswar, 28 January 2025: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-anticipated Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and the accompanying Make in Odisha Exhibition in Bhubaneswar, Odisha today. Addressing a packed gathering, the Prime Minister noted that this was his second visit to the state in January 2025, following his participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event earlier in the month. Highlighting the significance of the summit, Shri Modi described the Conclave as the largest business event Odisha had ever hosted, with participation from five to six times more investors than previous editions. He commended the people and government of Odisha for organizing such a grand event.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role Eastern India, and specifically Odisha, plays in the nation’s growth. “Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country, and Odisha is at the forefront of this transformation,” he said, noting that historically, Odisha has been an important hub for trade and commerce in South Eastern Asia. The Prime Minister recalled that Odisha’s ports had long served as gateways to India, with vibrant maritime links, underscoring the state’s deep-rooted legacy in global trade. He also reflected on the recent remarks made by the President of Indonesia, who expressed a sense of shared heritage with Odisha, further reinforcing the state’s historical connections with South East Asia.
The Prime Minister described Odisha as a state that epitomizes optimism, originality, and opportunity. He also highlighted the state’s vast potential in industries ranging from food processing and petrochemicals to IT, edutech, textiles, and green energy. “Odisha is becoming one of India’s most important states in various sectors,” said Shri Modi, adding that the people of Odisha have always demonstrated resilience and innovation in driving progress.
Shri Modi also took the opportunity to stress India’s development trajectory, saying that the country was moving forward with the aspirations of its people. “India’s path to development is driven by the aspirations of crores of citizens,” he remarked, adding that Odisha was a perfect example of how aspirations, innovation, and hard work can drive growth. He shared his own experience of interacting with the people of Odisha during his time in Gujarat, praising their skills, honesty, and dedication.
Turning to the national stage, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s accelerating progress towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. With the goal of reaching a five-trillion-dollar economy within reach, he noted the importance of India’s manufacturing sector, which has grown significantly over the last decade. Shri Modi emphasized that India’s economic expansion is underpinned by two key pillars: a vibrant service sector and the production of quality goods, with an emphasis on innovation and value addition within the country.
Noting that Odisha holds enormous potential in the emerging green economy, the Prime Minister elaborated on the government’s focus on green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable solutions. He mentioned the national-level Green Hydrogen and Solar Power Missions launched by the Government of India and highlighted Odisha’s role in these initiatives, particularly in harnessing the state’s renewable energy resources. Additionally, he outlined plans to expand the petrochemical sector in Odisha, with industrial parks and dedicated investment regions being developed in places like Paradip and Gopalpur.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of connected infrastructure and multimodal connectivity in driving economic growth. He pointed out that dedicated freight corridors, along with new and expanded ports, will enhance Odisha’s connectivity, positioning the state as a leader in the blue economy. To complement these infrastructure efforts, the Prime Minister outlined the ongoing railway and highway projects in the state that are designed to reduce logistics costs and provide industries with greater access to markets.
Addressing the global supply chain challenges, Shri Modi urged both the government and the private sector to focus on building a resilient domestic supply chain that minimizes reliance on imports. He encouraged industries to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups, and to actively engage in research and innovation. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of creating a skilled workforce, especially in Odisha, which will be key to driving the state’s growth.
Shri Modi further highlighted Odisha’s vast tourism potential, with its rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and coastal beauty. He urged the state to capitalize on its tourism potential, particularly eco-tourism and adventure tourism, noting that the state’s 500-kilometer coastline and over 33% forest cover present immense opportunities. The Prime Minister also touched upon India’s growing conference tourism sector, with venues like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi emerging as key canters for international events. He pointed out that Odisha could also become a significant player in the concert economy, leveraging the state’s vibrant cultural scene and young, music-loving population.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the upcoming World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will showcase India’s creative industry to the world. He expressed confidence that such events, along with the growing demand for live concerts and performances, will generate economic opportunities and jobs.
Concluding his address, Shri Modi reaffirmed his belief in Odisha’s potential, stating that the people of the state have committed themselves to building a prosperous future. He assured investors that their partnerships with Odisha would result in mutual success, further propelling the state’s progress.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor of Odisha Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, and Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Background:
The Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 is a key global investment summit hosted by the Government of Odisha. Its goal is to establish the state as a leading investment destination and industrial hub. The two-day event, which will run from 28th to 29th January 2025, offers a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to engage in discussions about the opportunities Odisha provides for investment and growth. The Conclave will feature roundtables, sectoral sessions, B2B meetings, and policy discussions aimed at fostering collaboration and investment in Odisha’s diverse industries.
