Dubai [UAE], September 11 (ANI): On Thursday, the Government of Odisha entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) during a business meeting with Dubai’s investment community and Indian entrepreneurs. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was present at the event, where he encouraged UAE-based Indian businesses to consider investment avenues in Odisha.
The Chief Minister underscored the vital contribution of the Indian business sector in enhancing economic connections between the UAE and Odisha. He pointed out the state’s expanding industrial landscape and highlighted potential opportunities in sectors such as green energy, green hydrogen, minerals, mining, aluminium production, recycling, logistics, and various emerging industries.
The MoC with IBPC is designed to fortify the network of Indian businesses in the UAE and to promote investment, partnerships, and market connections for Odisha, as stated in a press release. This initiative represents a significant move towards establishing a robust and lasting business relationship between Odisha and the UAE.
Majhi urged UAE-based Indian enterprises and professionals to investigate investment possibilities in Odisha, particularly in green energy, minerals, and logistics. The agreement will facilitate collaborations and market access between Odisha and the UAE.
Additionally, the Chief Minister inaugurated the One District, One Product (ODOP) Gallery in Dubai, which showcases Odisha’s rich tradition of handicrafts and textiles on an international platform.
The gallery features distinctive items such as the Sambalpuri Saree, Maniabandha Handloom, Cuttack Silver Filigree, Dongria Shawl, Kendujhar Terracotta Idols, Balasore Black Granite Sculptures, and Pattachitra and Palm Leaf Engravings from Puri.
This global exhibition aims to elevate Odisha’s traditional crafts from local to global markets by fostering new opportunities, supporting women-led enterprises, enhancing local livelihoods, and expanding export prospects for artisans and entrepreneurs in the state.
Earlier on the same day, Majhi met with Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy and Tourism, as well as the Chairman of the Council of International Investments. The discussions centered on reinforcing economic and investment relationships between Odisha and the UAE, and identifying new opportunities in Odisha. During these talks, CM Majhi emphasized the state’s conducive business environment, robust industrial framework, and investment possibilities across key sectors, inviting investors from the UAE to explore opportunities in the state.
During his visit to the UAE aimed at promoting high-level investment outreach, the Chief Minister arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. An official release noted that the visit, which took place from September 9 to 11, with a return to India scheduled for September 12, seeks to strengthen Odisha’s economic ties with the UAE while fostering partnerships in investment, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and emerging industries.
The Chief Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Minister of Industries Sampad Chandra Swain, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and senior officials from the Industries Department and IPICOL. The delegation was welcomed in Abu Dhabi by Additional Chief Secretary of Industries Hemant Sharma, along with UAE officials and representatives from the Embassy of India in the UAE.
