The Odisha government has signed agreements for 14 proposed projects involving investments of around ₹2.10 lakh crore during the first day of its investor outreach programme in the UAE.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is leading the state’s delegation, was present in Abu Dhabi for the signing. The projects, involving a partnership between International Holding Company (IHC) and the Adani Group, are expected to create employment opportunities for around 8.68 lakh people.
Projects Across Key Sectors
The proposed investments cover a wide range of sectors, including metal downstream industries, slurry pipelines, critical minerals and rare earths, chemicals and petrochemical derivatives, renewable energy equipment, healthcare, industrial infrastructure, tourism, skill development and sports infrastructure.
The investment and employment figures are indicative at this stage and will depend on feasibility studies, due diligence, statutory approvals and the signing of definitive agreements.
Aluminium Projects in Focus
During a roundtable with IHC’s business verticals and group companies, discussions centred on potential locations for an integrated aluminium project.
The state has proposed land for an alumina refinery in Kalyansinghpur tehsil of Rayagada district and an aluminium smelter in Sadar Sundargarh tehsil of Sundargarh district.
Odisha, IBPG Sign Cooperation Pact
Majhi also met members of the Indian Business and Professional Group (IBPG), leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between IBPG and the Odisha government.
The partnership will focus on promoting bilateral trade and exploring investment opportunities in Odisha. Discussions also covered increasing exports of products such as turmeric, ginger and seafood, contract manufacturing for UAE brands and opportunities for skilled professionals.
Push for Chemicals and Petrochemicals
In another meeting, Majhi held discussions with Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge’s petrochemicals division, and invited the company to explore a large-scale chemicals downstream complex in Odisha.
The proposed facility could benefit from feedstock linkages with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd’s proposed naphtha cracker at Paradip.
UAE Investors Explore PPP Opportunities
The Odisha delegation also held a roundtable with UAE-based investment institutions, where Majhi presented projects that could be developed through public-private partnerships (PPP).
The discussions focused on Odisha’s infrastructure pipeline, project evaluation and opportunities for long-term institutional investment.
Strengthening Odisha-UAE Investment Ties
The investor outreach reflects Odisha’s effort to attract large-scale global capital across manufacturing, energy, infrastructure and emerging sectors. If the proposed projects progress through approvals and implementation, they could significantly expand the state’s industrial base and create new employment opportunities.