Bhubaneswar: The State Government has planned to establish a world-class exhibition centre in Bhubaneswar to position Odisha as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination.
The high-level Odisha delegation led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has discussed the project during their visit to Suntec Convention Centre in Singapore.
The delegation concluded its four-day visit to Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the State’s efforts to attract global investments and establish strategic partnerships across key sectors, officials said.
The visit, supported by Enterprise Singapore (ESG), the High Commission of India (HCI) in Singapore, Invest India, and FICCI, featured over 25 high-level B2G and G2G meetings, roundtables, interactive sessions, and site visits, paving the way for transformative growth opportunities.
The flagship investor roadshow attracted over 400 participants from diverse sectors, including representatives from industry associations like SICCI, Singapore Business Federation, and Singapore Manufacturing Federation. Companies from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan actively participated, showcasing strong interest in Odisha’s industrial potential.
Discussions at the Institute of Technical Education and Education Services (ITEES) highlighted plans for Phase 2 of the World Skill Centre (WSC) in Odisha, including the introduction of cutting-edge courses.
The delegation visited the Jurong Petrochemicals Complex (JPC), gaining insights into integrated industrial planning to model Odisha’s PCPIR at Paradip. Companies like Sembcorp and Linde expressed keen interest in upcoming developments at Paradip.
The visit to Port of Singapore Authority and TUAS Port emphasized modern port-based logistics. Companies like AP Moller Maersk and Vopak showcased interest in ship recycling, container manufacturing, and multimodal logistics (MML) operations. These engagements reinforced Odisha’s vision to become a logistics hub in Eastern India, the officials said.
The visit to a marquee semiconductor equipment manufacturing company PEP Innovation Private Ltd provided insights into the requirements of a well functional electronics and semiconductor park, they said.
Learning from these visits and interactions with companies operating in this sphere will be used while planning electronics and semiconductor parks in Odisha.
The interactive session with the Odia diaspora highlighted their critical role in Odisha’s global outreach. It was one of the best attended community gatherings in Singapore.
The diaspora suggested further avenues of increasing economic and social relationship with the Singapore and ASEAN region. Suggestions included improved air connectivity, educational exchanges, and establishing a nodal office of the Government of Odisha for the ASEAN region, preferably in Singapore.
During the visit, the Odisha delegation engaged in high-level G2G meetings with Singaporean leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers of Trade & Industry, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Transport. These discussions focused on:
The upcoming visit of the President of Singapore to India and the ensuing Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 as well as the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave in January 2025 provide further avenues for continued engagement with the Singapore Government as well as the network established with diverse sector industries government and other economic players.
After reaching at New Delhi, CM Majhi said, “Our Singapore visit has been highly productive, offering valuable insights and fostering partnerships across key sectors.”
“Odisha’s rich resources, skilled workforce, and progressive policies make it a prime investment destination. I invite global investors and the diaspora to join us at the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and shape Odisha’s growth story,” he said.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain added, “This visit has underscored Odisha’s strategic potential in sectors like ports, green energy, and skill development. We are committed to leveraging global expertise to drive sustainable growth and innovation.”
The visit sets the stage for continued engagements, with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (8th–10th January 2025) and the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 (28th–30th January 2025) serving as key platforms to deepen partnerships and showcase Odisha’s investment opportunities.