Bhubaneswar, January 29: Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday at Lokaseva Bhavan to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in key development sectors and advance the state’s long-term growth and reform agenda.
The meeting focused on accelerating inclusive and sustainable development, boosting youth employability in the private sector, improving infrastructure, enhancing social sector outcomes, and promoting resilient, technology-driven growth.
Chief Minister Majhi highlighted the state government's flagship initiatives and reform measures aimed at driving growth, including increased investment in infrastructure, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, allied sectors, and tourism. These efforts are creating more employment opportunities, especially for youth and women. Odisha has made significant strides in reforming its regulatory framework to create a business-friendly environment, which has attracted substantial investments. As of December 2025, Odisha ranks second only to Andhra Pradesh with an investment of ₹2.5 lakh crores, according to figures published by CMIE.
The World Bank President commended the state's development efforts and its reform-driven approach. He praised Odisha for its emphasis on skill development to generate more private sector jobs for its youth. As part of a new World Bank Group-India strategic plan, the World Bank will contribute to India's $4 billion initiative to upgrade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), building on successful models like the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) in Bhubaneswar. Banga reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to providing technical assistance, policy advisory services, and financial support to the state.
Banga also stressed the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and fostering public-private partnerships for sustained development.
The discussions also covered global and regional economic challenges, with both sides agreeing on the need for collaborative approaches to issues such as infrastructure development, urbanization management, and sustainable resource use. They agreed to explore new areas of cooperation that align with the state’s priorities and the World Bank’s strategic goals.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi presented the "Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047: Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat" document to President Banga. The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration and explore new avenues of cooperation based on shared development objectives.
The meeting was attended by senior state government officials, including Smt. Anu Grag, Chief Secretary of Odisha, Sri D.K. Singh, Development Commissioner, and World Bank representatives.
