Odisha’s investment pitch: Beyond mining, towards a higher-value industrial economy

Odisha, historically known for its mining industry, is attempting to transform itself into a diversified, technology-driven and export-oriented industrial hub. To achieve this, the state has organized an investors' meet, Odisha Investors Meet – UAE 2026, which took place from September 9 to 11. The meet aimed to attract investors from the United Arab Emirates, strengthen export-oriented industries and establish new investment and business linkages with the Middle East.

According to officials, the meet attracted significant investment intents, primarily in sectors such as metals downstream, food and seafood exports, port-based industrial and logistics parks, shipbuilding parks, rare earth corridors, slurry pipeline infrastructure, chemical and petrochemical parks, renewable energy equipment, healthcare, industrial infrastructure, tourism, skill development and sports infrastructure.

The proposed projects are expected to generate over 8 lakh job opportunities. The government also highlighted that port-led development could create further investment opportunities. Odisha's strategic location on the eastern coast and the support from the current BJP-led central and state governments have been crucial in boosting investors' confidence.