New Delhi, 09/08/25: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Odisha organised an interactive session with Members of Parliament from the state in New Delhi, focusing on strategies to accelerate Odisha’s socio-economic development through closer collaboration between government and industry. The session witnessed the participation of 14 MPs representing different constituencies across Odisha, alongside members of the CII Odisha State Council and senior industry leaders.
The deliberations revolved around four key themes considered vital for the state’s progress—promotion of tourism, strengthening of agro-based industries, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and mapping of district-wise industrial potential. Participants agreed that Odisha’s cultural heritage, natural resources and strategic location present vast opportunities, but unlocking this potential requires coordinated planning and sustained investment.
Tourism was identified as one of the most promising growth drivers, with leaders calling for efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance marketing initiatives, and involve local communities in creating sustainable tourism models. The state’s diverse heritage sites, eco-tourism prospects, and coastal attractions were seen as major assets that, if properly developed, could generate large-scale employment and revenues.
Equally important was the push for agro-based industries, which can directly benefit rural households and contribute to inclusive development. The discussions highlighted the scope for expanding food processing, fisheries, and forest-based produce, supported by better cold-chain facilities, technology adoption, and market linkages. Such initiatives, participants felt, could ensure higher value addition and more stable incomes for farmers and small producers.
The need to strengthen MSMEs, which form the backbone of Odisha’s industrial base, also featured prominently in the dialogue. Greater access to finance, opportunities for technology upgrades, and skill development were flagged as essential to help small enterprises grow and remain competitive. To further drive balanced regional development, the proposal for mapping district-level industrial potential received strong support, with participants emphasising that such data-driven planning could help attract targeted investments while creating opportunities across all regions of the state.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, Chairman of the CII Odisha State Council, who moderated the session, said, “Our aim is to ensure that Odisha’s immense potential is realised in a way that benefits every section of society. Structured collaboration between policymakers, industry and communities will be the cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive growth.”
The interaction, marked by active participation and constructive exchange of ideas, was viewed as a timely step in aligning policy priorities with industry aspirations. With Odisha emerging as a key investment destination in eastern India, the session underscored the importance of such platforms in shaping the state’s long-term development roadmap.
