The upcoming Odisha business summit, beginning on January 28, is set to attract 7,500 delegates, including prominent industry leaders like LN Mittal and Kumar Mangalam Birla. Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain announced that the state is prepared to host representatives from 20 countries at the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha conclave. So far, delegates from 16 countries have confirmed their attendance, with four more possibly joining.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event alongside union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, and Ashwini Vaishnaw. Swain emphasised that this summit is not merely an investment gathering but a showcase of Odisha’s transformative journey. The BJP government aims to attract investment proposals worth Rs 5 lakh crore and ensure their implementation. In its first seven months, the new government has approved 159 proposals valued at Rs 2.75 lakh crore, potentially creating jobs for 2.15 lakh people.

International Participation and Key Themes

The summit will see participation from over 100 international delegates and diplomats from countries such as Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, the UK, the US, and Nepal. Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia are partnering countries for the conclave. The event will feature three thematic sessions: Start-Up Odisha, Skilled in Odisha, and Women Entrepreneurship. These sessions will be facilitated by Subhadra, a women empowerment programme.

In addition to thematic sessions, the summit will include CEO Roundtables and Women Leadership Roundtables to foster meaningful discussions and partnerships. The Make in Odisha Expo will feature nearly 150 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and solutions. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted that these exhibitors would present their offerings at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar.

Cultural Highlights and Performances

The state’s culture department has organised performances by renowned Odissi dancer Padma Shri Aruna Mohanty and drone shows as part of the summit’s cultural offerings. The event aims to blend business discussions with cultural experiences to provide a comprehensive view of Odisha’s potential.

Captains of industries such as Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Anil Agarwal, Sajjan Jindal, Naveen Jindal, and Karan Adani are expected to attend the summit. Their presence underscores the significance of this event in attracting global attention to Odisha’s business landscape.

The conclave promises to be a platform for showcasing Odisha’s growth story while facilitating discussions on key areas like startups and women entrepreneurship. With international participation and cultural highlights planned, the summit aims to position Odisha as a hub for innovation and investment opportunities.