Odisha, known as the gateway to Eastern India, is a treasure trove of natural resources. With a coastline stretching over 480 kilometers, abundant rivers, rich mineral resources, and thousands of acres of forest, Odisha is a powerhouse. Additionally, there is skilled human capital available here. Considering these aspects, Odisha is extremely favourable for tourism and investment compared with other states, said Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
Speaking in the session titled “Odisha: A land of opportunities”, he stated that developing sports infrastructure along with improving air connectivity both domestically and internationally could significantly boost Odisha’s economy. He emphasised the importance of heritage tourism, wildlife tourism, and developing Buddhist tourism sites.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg highlighted on various development sectors such as connectivity, infrastructure, industries, along with women empowerment, health and nutrition. She also stressed upon socio-economic equality in the state. Saying that Odisha has moved from the low-income state category to the middleincome category, Smt. Garg envisioned state’s future as a high-income category state.
Padma Bhushan Abhinav Bindra, founder of the Abhinav Bindra Foundation, stressed the role of sports in Odisha’s development.
Among others, the Chief Skill Officer of World Skill Center (Odisha), Mr. Brunce Poh, Chairman of Paradip Port, Mr. P.L. Haranadh, Director of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), Dr. Deepak Mishra, and Chief Development Officer of Bharat Biotech, Dr. Raches Ella also participated.
