Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi showcases state’s investment potential at India Chem 2024 in Mumbai

By Arpita Srivastav

Mumbai, Oct. 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday highlighted the state’s growing role as a hub for the chemicals and petrochemicals industry during his keynote address at the India Chem 2024 conference in Mumbai on Friday.

Organised by the Union ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, the event served as a platform for Majhi to showcase Odisha’s potential as a strategic destination for investors.

Majhi emphasised that Odisha is at the forefront of the “Purvodaya” initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the industrial resurgence of Eastern India. Traditionally known for its rich natural resources and leadership in mining and metals, Odisha is now rapidly expanding its footprint in chemicals and petrochemicals.

“Odisha’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector is built on a strong foundation with the presence of industry giants like Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Paradeep Phosphates, and IFFCO,” Majhi said, pointing to the strategic importance of the Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) at Paradeep, which offers seamless global connectivity via Paradeep Port.

Majhi highlighted a range of investment opportunities in Odisha’s chemicals sector, driven by increasing demand from core industries like steel and aluminum. He also mentioned the state’s expansion into high-growth areas such as technical textiles, recycling of by-products, and specialty chemicals for plastics and packaging.

Odisha, Majhi added, is exploring the production of chemicals for electric vehicle batteries and green fuel to support the global shift toward clean energy. He noted that companies like Grasim, Berger Paints, and Supreme Industries have already made significant investments in the state.

Majhi also pointed out the presence of key players in technical textiles, explosives manufacturing, and specialty chemicals, further underscoring Odisha’s diversification in the chemicals sector.

In closing, he invited investors to the “Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025,” to be held in Bhubaneswar on January 28-29, 2025, and announced a special session on investment opportunities in Mumbai. “Together, we can shape the future of a Viksit Odisha,” he concluded.