Bhubaneswar, 07 May (H.S.): Canada’s High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, accompanied by his wife, paid a courtesy visit to Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday, where both sides held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, mining, agriculture, technology and clean energy sectors.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department Vishal Kumar Dev and Principal Secretary of Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department-cum-OPTCL CMD Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma were also present during the meeting.

According to official sources, the discussions focused on expanding India-Canada bilateral ties with special emphasis on Odisha’s growing industrial and economic potential. Key areas of discussion included agri-exports, technology collaboration, sustainable industrial development and investment opportunities in mineral-based industries.

During the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted Odisha’s strong position in the mining sector, stating that the state accounts for nearly 92 percent of India’s chromite reserves and also possesses substantial deposits of rare earth minerals along its coastline. He emphasized the vast potential for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in mining and value-added industries.

The Canadian delegation reportedly expressed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in Odisha’s automobile and clean energy sectors. Both sides also discussed leveraging technological partnerships to promote sustainable industrial growth and enhance bilateral trade relations.

Singh Deo briefed the delegation about Odisha’s historical legacy, cultural heritage and current agricultural landscape, underlining the state’s balanced approach towards preserving tradition while embracing modern development.

He stated that Odisha welcomes global partnerships that bring investment, advanced technology and international market access while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.

Highlighting Odisha’s improving investment climate, the Deputy Chief Minister noted that the state has been recognised as an “Achiever State” in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings due to its policy stability, robust infrastructure and industry-ready ecosystem.

He further informed the delegation that out of the three Green Hydrogen Hubs proposed in India, two are being established in Odisha at Paradip and Gopalpur. These projects are expected to play a crucial role in accelerating the state’s transition towards renewable energy and positioning Odisha as a national leader in green technology and decarbonisation initiatives.

The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned that Canada has shown interest in investing in clean energy and industrial cooperation projects in the state.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda