Dubai, September 10: Odisha strengthened its investment outreach in the United Arab Emirates on the second day of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s UAE visit, securing five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and eight Investment Intents (IIFs) involving a combined proposed investment of ₹8,417 crore and employment potential of 14,310.
The proposed investments span key sectors including information technology and IT-enabled services, real estate, logistics, food processing, agro-processing, steel and downstream industries, rare earths, chemicals, aluminium and the circular economy.
Majhi Meets UAE Economy Minister
The day began with a high-level meeting between Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, who is also Chairman of the Council of International Investments.
The discussions focused on deepening economic and investment cooperation between Odisha and the UAE and identifying new opportunities for UAE-based businesses and investors in the state.
Majhi highlighted Odisha’s strategic location, industrial potential, infrastructure, natural resources, skilled workforce and investor-friendly policy environment. He invited UAE investors and business leaders to explore opportunities for long-term investment and partnerships in Odisha.
Odisha Showcases Investment Opportunities
Majhi also addressed the Odisha Investment Roadshow in Dubai, where the state presented its industrial ecosystem and investment opportunities across a range of sectors.
The roadshow highlighted Odisha’s strengths in manufacturing, metals and downstream industries, IT, infrastructure, logistics, food processing, chemicals, energy and emerging sectors.
The Chief Minister said the state was creating an enabling environment for investors through progressive policies, infrastructure development, ease of doing business and responsive governance. He invited global companies to partner with Odisha in accelerating industrialisation, creating jobs and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Aluminium Downstream Sector Gets Special Focus
A dedicated roundtable with aluminium downstream industries discussed investment opportunities across Odisha’s aluminium value chain.
The discussions focused on downstream manufacturing, value addition, technology-driven industries and the development of globally competitive industrial capacities.
Majhi highlighted Odisha’s established metals and minerals ecosystem and the government’s efforts to expand downstream industries to generate greater economic value and employment within the state.
Engagement with Indian Business Community
The Chief Minister also interacted with the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) in Dubai to explore ways of strengthening business linkages and facilitating greater investment participation.
The interaction covered potential collaborations, market linkages and opportunities for the Indian business and professional community in the UAE to contribute to Odisha’s economic growth.
Insights into UAE’s Aluminium Industry
As part of the sectoral outreach, Majhi visited Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a leading aluminium manufacturing company in the UAE.
The visit provided insights into advanced industrial operations, technology and global best practices in the aluminium sector. Discussions also explored potential areas of cooperation in technology, value addition and industrial development, particularly in view of Odisha’s strong aluminium ecosystem and growing focus on downstream manufacturing.
Recycling and Circular Economy
An industry roundtable with the Bureau of Middle East Recycling focused on opportunities in recycling, resource efficiency and the circular economy.
The discussions explored possibilities for investment, technology collaboration and adoption of sustainable industrial practices, in line with Odisha’s efforts to promote resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable industrial growth.
₹8,417 Crore Investment Potential
The series of one-to-one and group meetings with investors and business leaders generated significant interest in Odisha across multiple sectors.
Five MoUs were signed during the day, involving a proposed investment of ₹5,600 croreand employment potential of 11,500.
In addition, eight Investment Intents were received, representing proposed investments of ₹2,817 croreand employment potential of 2,810.
Together, the five MoUs and eight Investment Intents represent a combined proposed investment of ₹8,417 croreand the potential to create 14,310 employment opportunities.
Odisha Steps Up Global Investment Outreach
The second day of Odisha’s UAE outreach further strengthened the state’s engagement with international investors and business institutions, with an emphasis on converting investment interest into projects and creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth.
The engagements highlighted Odisha’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination and its potential to serve as a strategic base for businesses seeking access to markets in eastern India and beyond.
Majhi reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing policy stability, quality infrastructure, skilled human resources and institutional support for smooth project implementation.
The Dubai engagements reaffirmed Odisha’s focus on building international partnerships and attracting investments that promote industrial diversification, value addition, employment generation and sustainable development.
The global outreach is aligned with the vision of Samruddha Odisha, with the state seeking to position itself as an investment-ready, globally connected and future-focused destination.
