Odisha Delegation Begins Singapore Visit With Promising Investment Talks

The Odisha government’s high-level delegation, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Industry Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, embarked on a successful first day of their Singapore visit, aimed at attracting global investments to the state.

The day began with a briefing by Dr. Shilpak Ambule, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, on India-Singapore business relations. Dr. Ambule highlighted the growing trade and commerce ties between the two nations and emphasised the potential role of Indian states like Odisha in sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, renewable energy, green fuels, and skill development.

Chief Minister Majhi chaired several high-level meetings with business leaders to explore collaboration opportunities. Discussions with Dr. Edward Morton, Founder of CT Metrix, focused on IT/ITeS, semiconductors, medical equipment manufacturing, and smart city solutions. Majhi assured full support for developing a robust electronics ecosystem in Odisha and invited Dr. Morton to explore the state’s potential.

In another meeting, Vivek Agarwal, Director of Visa Group Limited, was encouraged to expand operations in Odisha’s steel and ferro-chrome sectors, emphasising value-added products and employment generation. Additionally, Rabin Jhunjhunwala, Chairman of Orind Singapore Pte Ltd, expressed interest in investing in the bio-fertilizer sector. The Chief Minister assured all necessary support to facilitate the project.

A significant milestone was achieved during the delegation’s visit to Sembcorp Industries Ltd., where discussions centred on renewable energy advancements. The Chief Minister announced the approval of Sembcorp’s Green Ammonia project in Odisha, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and positioning it as a key hub for green investments.

The day concluded with a dinner hosted by the Indian High Commissioner in honour of the delegation. Reflecting on the visit, Chief Minister Majhi remarked, “This is my first foreign visit as Chief Minister, and Singapore's thriving industrial ecosystem offers valuable lessons for Odisha’s rapid urbanisation. My government is committed to facilitating investments in handloom, seafood, skilled labour, and green energy. Over the next three days, we will engage with potential investors to foster growth and collaboration.”

Industry Minister Swain added, “Odisha’s strategic location on India’s eastern seaboard makes it a prime investment destination, particularly in green fuels and renewable energy. Today’s discussions have laid a strong foundation for future growth.”

The delegation’s visit is part of preparations for the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, which aims to showcase the state’s investment potential. The next few days will include visits to key industrial and innovation hubs, such as the Jurong Petrochemicals Region and PSA Horizons, along with high-level meetings to further Odisha’s industrial and sustainable development goals.