Bhubaneswar: World Bank Group President Ajay Banga arrived in Odisha to discuss strengthening financial cooperation and advancing the state’s long term reform agenda. Upon his arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, he was received by a state delegation led by Principal Secretary Finance Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra. Shri Banga commended the state’s development efforts and its proactive orientation toward economic reforms.
The World Bank President reaffirmed a commitment to supporting Odisha through a combination of technical assistance, policy advisory services, and financial cooperation. He specifically highlighted the necessity of strengthening institutional capacity, fostering public-private partnerships, and scaling up investments in climate-smart and resilient infrastructure.
A key highlight of the partnership is the focus on skill development to prepare the states youth for private sector jobs. The World Bank is drawing on successful models like the Central Tool Room and Training Centre in Bhubaneswar to contribute to a 4 billion dollar national initiative aimed at upgrading Industrial Training Institutes. This investment is designed to ensure that technical education aligns with global industry standards, directly linking training to high quality employment opportunities.
In the health sector, the collaboration aims to improve social sector outcomes by enhancing primary healthcare infrastructure and digital tracking systems for long term health management. These improvements are seen as vital for maintaining a productive workforce and reducing the economic burden on families. Additionally, the tourism sector has been identified as a major engine for job creation. World Bank representatives pledged to promote Odisha as a premier international destination and explore investment opportunities that leverage the states natural and cultural heritage to generate livelihoods for local communities.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi met with Banga at Lokaseva Bhavan to deliberate on deepening cooperation across key development sectors. The high-level meeting included senior state officials such as Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D. K. Singh, and Finance Secretary Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, alongside representatives from the World Bank.
Discussions during the session focused on accelerating inclusive and sustainable development while enhancing infrastructure and improving social sector outcomes. Both parties exchanged views on navigating global and regional economic challenges, with a focus on collaborative approaches to sustainable resource management and urbanization.
As part of his engagement with the state’s economic ecosystem, Shri Banga also held a round table discussion with a private sector group. This session aimed at aligning the World Bank’s strategic objectives with Odisha’s development priorities to promote technology-driven growth and sustainable investment.