Odisha eyes UAE funding for aluminium, critical minerals and port projects

Odisha has brought forward its investment roadshow in the United Arab Emirates as competition among Indian states for overseas capital intensifies. The programme was initially planned for December, but growing investor outreach by other states prompted the government to advance the visit, according to officials from the state industries department.

The three-day roadshow will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 11, led by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. It follows Madhya Pradesh’s UAE investment programme, scheduled for September 6 to 8.

Additional Chief Secretary for Industries Hemant Sharma said the state could not afford to delay its international outreach while competing regions were already approaching overseas investors. Odisha will use the visit to promote opportunities across five areas, mining and metallurgy, chemicals and petrochemicals, port-based logistics, data centres, and sovereign wealth fund participation.

Mining and metallurgy will remain central to the discussions, with Odisha presenting opportunities in green steel, green aluminium, ferrochrome, rare earths and critical minerals. Although these industries continue to attract domestic capital, the state believes foreign direct investment remains below its potential, despite Odisha’s strong mineral resources and established metals industry.

The government will also promote its petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals sector. Odisha plans to highlight its access to West Asian raw material supply chains, particularly limestone, phosphates and ammonia transported through Paradip Port.

Port-linked industrial development will form another major part of the roadshow. Investment prospects at Dhamra, Paradip, Subarnarekha and Astaranga will be presented, along with proposals for export-oriented industrial parks serving customers across Gulf markets.

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Odisha will also seek investment in data centres, digital infrastructure and renewable energy equipment manufacturing. Its coastal position could support cable landing stations, while growing data storage requirements in India may create further opportunities for new digital facilities.

Engagement with UAE-based sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors will be a core element of the visit. The state plans to present nearly 30 investment-ready projects covering shipbuilding, ship repair, ports, chemical parks, rare earth parks, coal transport corridors and slurry pipelines. Investors will also be invited to participate through equity partnerships with companies already operating in Odisha.

Several UAE investment organisations have confirmed their participation, Sharma said. The delegation expects to meet around 30 investors and fund houses, including sovereign funds, petrochemical businesses and Indian corporate groups operating in the UAE. Discussions are also planned with Emirates Global Aluminium.

Odisha hopes the roadshow will lead to investment proposals and memoranda of understanding, although the immediate aim is to increase awareness of the state’s industrial capabilities and project pipeline.

Officials believe ongoing global uncertainty and supply chain disruptions have strengthened India’s position as a dependable destination for companies looking to diversify their manufacturing and sourcing networks. Odisha’s objective is to secure a larger share of the international capital now considering entry into India.

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