Bhubaneswar, 22 October (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi showcased the state’s investment potential at the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 in Mumbai on Thursday, outlining plans to transition from a mineral-driven economy towards chemical-led industrial growth.

The three-day event, being held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre until October 24, is organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Government of India, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Held under the theme “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub”, it brings together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and international stakeholders.

The inaugural session was attended by Union Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, among other dignitaries.

India’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040. Addressing the sector’s priorities, Nadda emphasised research and development, innovation, domestic manufacturing and industry collaboration. He also highlighted the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, backed by a ₹1 lakh crore corpus, as a means of strengthening technological development and industrial capabilities.

Majhi highlighted Odisha’s mineral resources, port infrastructure and established industrial base as key advantages for developing its chemical and petrochemical industries. He underscored the importance of Paradip, Gopalpur and Dhamra ports in connecting industries with domestic and international markets.

The Chief Minister identified the Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s refinery and petrochemical complex, and the Plastic Park at Paradip as important assets for downstream industries. These facilities offer opportunities in polymers, packaging and technical textiles. Emerging investment prospects include refrigerants, fluorochemicals, green hydrogen and green ammonia at Gopalpur, as well as coal-gasification-based projects at Talcher and Lakhanpur.

Highlighting the state’s industrial progress, Majhi said nearly 200 industrial units had been established in Odisha in less than two-and-a-half years, involving investments of approximately ₹3.52 lakh crore. The state has received investment proposals exceeding ₹22.50 lakh crore, of which more than ₹12.50 lakh crore have been approved by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA).

He also referred to the September 2026 investor outreach in the UAE, which generated proposals worth approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore, including around ₹2.10 lakh crore from International Holding Company (IHC). Several proposals concern chemicals, petrochemicals and critical minerals.

Majhi highlighted Odisha’s industrial policies, infrastructure, skilled workforce and institutions such as the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) as supporting factors for industrial growth.

“Odisha is ready to contribute at scale to realise India’s one-trillion-dollar chemical dream by 2040,” he said, inviting investors to explore opportunities in the state. He added, “Your success is our success,” and urged industry leaders to “Come, Invest in Odisha and be a part of Samruddh Odisha.”

During his visit to the exhibition, Majhi explored emerging technologies and innovations across the chemicals and petrochemicals value chain. He said the event offered opportunities for collaboration, investment and technological partnerships, supporting India’s ambition to become a globally competitive and sustainable chemicals manufacturing hub.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda