Can't accept export of raw materials; value addition must happen in India: PM Modi at Odisha conclave

Inaugurating the 'Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave' in Bhubaneswar, Modi said he considers eastern India as the growth engine of the country, and the state plays an important role in it.
PM Modi speaks at the inaugural session of 'Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha' Conclave in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.
PM Modi speaks at the inaugural session of 'Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha' Conclave in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.Photo | Debdatta Mallick, EPS
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BHUBANESHWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that value addition to resources must be done in India to minimise dependence on imports, at the 'Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025' on Tuesday.

Inaugurating the first business summit held by the Mohan Charan Majhi government in Bhubaneswar's Janata Maidan, PM Modi said, "India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains. Instead, a robust supply and value chain must be built within India to minimise the impact of global uncertainties."

Adding that both the government and the industry are responsible for building a self-reliant economy, Modi said it is not ideal that India's resources are exported and imported back after value addition overseas.

The PM urged industry partners and the state government to work together to build a modern ecosystem aligned with Odisha's aspirations and provide new opportunities for the youth. Creating more job opportunities will lead to prosperity and progress in the state, he added.

"This is an era of AI, and everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence. However, the Aspiration of India, not just AI, is the power of our country. Aspiration grows when the needs of the people are fulfilled. In the last decade, the country has witnessed the benefit of empowering crores of people. Odisha represents the same aspiration," he added.

Describing Odisha as outstanding, symbolising the optimism and originality of a new India, Modi said its people have always shown a passion for outperforming others.

Sharing his personal experience of witnessing the skill, hard work and honesty of people from Odisha in Gujarat, the PM expressed confidence that with new opportunities emerging in Odisha, the state will soon reach unprecedented heights of development.

Odisha has a significant role to play in the development of a prosperous India.

The PM said ASEAN countries have shown interest in strengthening trade ties with Odisha. "I consider eastern India as the growth engine of the country, with Odisha playing a crucial role in this. History shows that during times when India significantly contributed to global growth, eastern India also made important contributions," he said.

The people of the state have taken a pledge to build a prosperous Odisha and the central government is providing all possible cooperation to fulfill this resolution, he added.

"I firmly believe that Odisha will soon reach the pinnacle of development that no one could have ever imagined. I am delighted to see that Chief Minister Majhi's team is working tirelessly to accelerate the state's development,” the PM said.

PM Modi said Odisha is becoming one of India's leading states in various industries, including food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, edutech, textiles, tourism, mining, and green energy.

"Yehi samay hao, sahi samay hai (this is the right time)," said the Prime Minister, urging business delegates to invest in Odisha with the assurance of 'Modi Ki Guarantee.'

"The government is working to build a vibrant ecosystem for research and a special fund has also been generated for the same. Industries should come forward and work with the government," he said.

Noting the state's long coast, Modi said the old ports here are being developed and new ones are being built.

The PM said the state has immense tourism potential.

"Today, the focus is wed in India, heal in India. The natural beauty of this place is conducive for this," he said.

Expressing his affection for Odisha, the PM said he had visited the state nearly 30 times as Prime Minister and emphasised his trust in the state's potential and its people.

“As PM, I have visited the state more than all the Prime Ministers of India taken together since Independence,” he remarked.

The PM also inaugurated the 'Make in Odisha' exhibition, showcasing the state's achievements in developing an industrial ecosystem.

The conclave will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to converge and discuss the opportunities Odisha offers as an investment destination, the statement said.

Among the programmes being hosted at the conclave are CEOs and leaders' roundtables, sectoral sessions, B2B meetings, and policy discussions, it said.

Around 7,500 delegates, including some top industrialists, are expected to attend the two-day conclave, a statement said.

Apart from Majhi, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw and a host of industry captains including Anil Agarwal, Sajjan Jindal, Naveen Jindal, Subhrakant Panda, Karan Adani were present among other dignitaries.

(With inputs from PTI)

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