Odisha and World Bank Discuss Collaborative Pathways for Sustainable Growth and Investment

The World Bank team, led by South Asia Regional Vice President Johannes Zutt and Regional Director Imad Fakhoury, along with other representatives, engaged in detailed discussions with senior Odisha officials. Attendees from the state included Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary for Industries, Information and Public Relations Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, and secretaries from various departments.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Ahuja highlighted Odisha’s future goals in the context of its growth trajectory, economic framework, and ongoing developmental programs. He emphasized the state’s agriculture-based economy, industrial expansion, skill development initiatives, and port-led growth, positioning Odisha as a land of immense potential.

Additional Chief Secretary Garg presented the vision document for “Viksit Odisha 2036” and “Viksit Bharat 2047,” outlining the state’s geographical advantages, demographic profile, progressive development, and current status in education and health. She underscored Odisha’s natural resources, mineral wealth, extensive coastline, water resources, youthful workforce, and economic stability as key drivers for future growth. Garg also addressed challenges such as natural disasters, poverty alleviation, skill enhancement, tribal empowerment, infrastructure development, sustainable urban growth, qualitative improvements in education and health, and essential services, detailing the steps being taken to overcome them.

Dr. Padhee discussed agriculture-related schemes and programs, focusing on boosting production, diversification, pest control successes, and the need for resilient farming practices amid natural calamities.

Hemant Sharma, as Managing Director of IPICOL and Commissioner-cum-Secretary for School and Mass Education, shed light on Odisha’s industrial ecosystem, regional industrial growth, ancillary industries, and capital investments.

The World Bank representatives praised the Odisha government’s initiatives and forward-looking vision. They expressed commitment to supporting the state in areas like skill development, agriculture, tourism, MSMEs, employment generation, sustainable growth, urban housing, and more. Describing Odisha as a premier tourism destination, the delegation pledged to promote international discussions on investments and partnerships in various sectors.

This meeting underscores Odisha’s strategic push towards holistic development with global backing, paving the way for enhanced economic and social progress.