Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: The Odisha government presented a compelling investment proposition for the chemicals and petrochemicals sector at the CEO Roundtable of India Chem 2026, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inviting industry leaders to establish manufacturing facilities and expand downstream operations in the State.

The roundtable was chaired by Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Participating in the roundtable following the inaugural session, the Chief Minister outlined Odisha’s ambition to transition from a mineral-driven economy towards a chemical-driven industrial economy.

He highlighted the State’s strategic port connectivity, refinery infrastructure, industrial feedstock, established metals and mineral-based industries, reliable utilities and access to domestic and international markets as key advantages for prospective investors.

The Chief Minister emphasised Odisha’s commitment to partnering with companies across the investment lifecycle—from site selection and infrastructure planning to statutory approvals, project implementation and commercial production.

Odisha’s investment proposition is anchored in its deep-draft ports, the 15-million-tonne-per-annum (MMTPA) refinery at Paradip, expanding petrochemical opportunities and a strong base of industrial consumers. The State’s steel, aluminium, fertiliser and mining industries generate demand for industrial gases, process chemicals, coatings, refractories, water-treatment chemicals and specialty inputs, creating opportunities for downstream manufacturing and industrial supplier networks.

The Chief Minister identified Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur as potential locations for port-oriented industries, while Angul and Dhenkanal offer opportunities for projects requiring proximity to metals, coal, power and established inland industrial demand. Team Odisha will work with investors to identify suitable locations based on their requirements for feedstock, utilities, logistics and operational infrastructure.

The Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s refinery and petrochemical complex, and the Plastic Park at Paradip provide a foundation for expanding downstream manufacturing in polymers, packaging, technical textiles and related products.

Common infrastructure and coordinated approvals to facilitate investment

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure readiness and predictable project timelines, the Chief Minister said the State was working to facilitate common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), logistics and storage facilities, utility corridors, pipeline connectivity and deep-sea discharge systems, depending on project requirements.

The government aims to coordinate statutory processes, including Environmental Clearance, Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate, through a whole-of-government approach involving the Industries Department, IPICOL, IDCO, the State Pollution Control Board and other concerned agencies. Locations with pre-approved environmental clearance, including at Gopalpur, can help reduce project turnaround time, subject to applicable statutory requirements.

Also Read: India Chem 2026: Odisha CM calls for shift to chemical-led industrial growth

The Chief Minister reiterated Odisha’s commitment to extending a “red carpet to red-category industries”, while maintaining transparency, safety and environmental compliance. The State’s approach is to provide an enabling environment for industrial investment alongside responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices.

The Chief Minister invited companies to explore investment opportunities in coal-to-chemicals, coal-gasification derivatives, specialty chemicals, fluorochemicals, battery materials, advanced polymers, refrigerants and green-chemical value chains.