Odisha’s three-day UAE outreach attracts Rs 2.43 lakh crore investment proposals

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s three-day investment outreach in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concluded on Friday with the state receiving proposed investments worth Rs 2,43,162 crore, with an employment potential of 6,18,725 jobs, said the officials.

Led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the outreach across Abu Dhabi and Dubai resulted in 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Investment Intents (IIFs), following 52 one on one investor meetings and round-table engagements. The outreach brought together UAE-based investors, global business leaders, sovereign and institutional stakeholders, Indian diplomatic representatives and members of the Odia diaspora.

According to officials, the final day of the visit focused on the Odisha Investors’ Meet – UAE 2026 in Dubai to drive international investments into the state. This significant event was attended by around 400 business leaders, investors and members of the UAE business community.

The investment engagements on the third day covered Travel and Tourism, Logistics, Financial Investment, LNG storage, green energy, artificial intelligence and data centres, rare earths, ship repair, propellant manufacturing, fertilizers and chemicals, housing, steel and steel downstream industries and other emerging opportunities.

Apart from Traditional Mines and mineral sectors, processed food will be the biggest opportunity. The state government in an official press release revealed that CAZBAA Project Ventures FZCO signed an MoU for LNG storage. Rana Holdings Limited signed an MoU covering green energy, AI data centres and rare earths. Sharaf Group entered into an MoU in housing, while PTCL Infrastructure signed an MoU for steel and steel downstream industries.

Investment Intents were also received from Dalwin Marine and Turbo Power Engineering for ship repair, Ion Technologies Pvt Ltd for a propellant manufacturing plant, and Agrifields FZCO for fertilisers and chemicals. Alongside the Investors’ Meet, Majhi held one-to-one meetings with UAE-based business leaders and investors, focusing on project opportunities, manufacturing, value addition, technology partnerships and long-term investments in Odisha.

Later, the Chief Minister interacted with the Odia diaspora in Dubai, where more than 800 Odias welcomed him. The gathering showcased Odisha’s rich cultural heritage through classical Odissi and traditional folk dances. Majhi highlighted the diaspora’s important role in strengthening Odisha’s global identity and preserving its cultural heritage.

During the three-day outreach, the Odisha delegation also held high-level engagements with government, institutional and business stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The programme covered critical minerals and rare earths, metals and metallurgy, chemicals and petrochemicals, renewable energy, healthcare, industrial infrastructure, tourism, IT, agro and food processing, logistics, skilling and circular economy, among other sectors.

The State also showcased its One District One Product (ODOP) offerings during the diaspora interaction, highlighting local products and entrepreneurial opportunities from different districts. CM Majhi highlighted the state’s natural resources, competitive energy availability, strategic ports, industrial infrastructure, skilled workforce and established industrial ecosystem as key advantages for investors.

“Odisha’s engagement with the UAE is intended to go beyond individual investments and build durable partnerships in manufacturing, trade, technology, exports, innovation, skills and entrepreneurship,” emphasised Majhi. He invited UAE businesses to make Odisha a preferred destination for their next phase of growth in India.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IANS

[email protected]