Odisha Showcases Global Ambitions in High-Level Meeting With World Bank

State leaders present ‘Developed Odisha 2036’ roadmap; World Bank commits support for tourism, MSMEs, and investment promotion

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has strengthened its position as an emerging global investment destination following a high-profile engagement with senior World Bank officials in Bhubaneswar. On November 20, 2025, a delegation led by Johannes Zutt, South Asia Regional Vice President of the World Bank, met with Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and senior government leaders at the Lok Seva Bhawan to explore long-term collaboration across critical development sectors.

The visiting team—which included Regional Director Imad Fakhoury—held extensive discussions with the state administration. Odisha’s side was represented by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Principal Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, senior officials from industry, tourism, and finance, and other top bureaucrats. The interaction aimed to identify areas where the World Bank could deepen its partnership with the state as Odisha accelerates its growth trajectory.

Chief Secretary Ahuja opened the meeting by highlighting the state’s fiscal strength, stable governance model, and forward-looking development priorities. He underscored Odisha’s potential in port-led economic expansion, industrial development, and large-scale skill-building initiatives. Ahuja stressed that Odisha’s reforms in public finance, disaster resilience, and infrastructure creation have positioned it among the most robust state economies in the country.

Development Commissioner Garg presented a comprehensive vision document aligned with “Developed Odisha 2036,” designed to complement the national mission of “Developed India 2047.” Her presentation focused on key assets such as the state’s demographic dividend, abundant mineral deposits, and a long, strategically valuable coastline. She also addressed structural challenges, including frequent natural disasters, rapid urbanisation, and the need for climate-resilient urban planning.

Sector-specific achievements and priorities were outlined by departmental heads. Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Padhee detailed Odisha’s gains in agricultural diversification, advanced pest control strategies, and productivity enhancement. He acknowledged, however, that recurrent cyclones and floods continue to disrupt farming cycles, making climate-resilient agriculture a top priority.

Addressing the industrial sector, Bhupendra Singh Poonia described Odisha’s expanding industrial ecosystem, strong investment inflows, and the growth of manufacturing clusters across the state. He highlighted the state’s competitive advantage in minerals, logistics, and policy reforms that have streamlined investment processes.

Impressed by the clarity and ambition of Odisha’s developmental roadmap, the World Bank delegation expressed appreciation for the state’s proactive governance. They reaffirmed their readiness to partner with Odisha in key areas such as tourism infrastructure, MSME strengthening, affordable housing, skill development, and job creation. The delegates also committed to promoting Odisha globally as a major investment and tourism destination.

The two sides agreed to explore structured collaborations in resilience planning, data-driven governance, and inclusive economic growth. World Bank officials assured that they would advocate for Odisha on international platforms, helping the state access global expertise, financing, and opportunities for partnership.

The meeting concluded with both teams reaffirming a shared vision for building a stronger, more resilient, and globally connected Odisha. With a long-term development roadmap in place and growing international alliances, the state aims to position itself as a future-ready economic powerhouse by 2036.