Bhubaneswar: Canada has expressed interest in partnering with Odisha in mining, clean energy and industrial cooperation projects, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said here after holding talks with Canadian High Commissioner to India Christopher Cooter.
Cooter, accompanied by his wife, paid a courtesy visit to Singh Deo at Lok Seva Bhawan here and discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, mining, renewable energy, agriculture and technology sectors, officials said. Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, and Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change-cum-CMD OPTCL, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, also graced the meeting.
The discussions focused on expanding India-Canada collaboration with special emphasis on Odisha’s industrial growth and investment potential, particularly in agri-exports, technology partnerships, sustainable industrial development and bilateral trade.
During the meeting, Singh Deo highlighted Odisha’s mineral strength, stating that the state accounts for nearly 92 per cent of India’s chromite reserves and also possesses significant rare earth mineral deposits along its coastline.
He said Odisha offers immense opportunities for foreign direct investment in mining, mineral processing and value-added industries. The Canadian delegation expressed keen interest in investment opportunities in Odisha’s automobile and clean energy sectors, while both sides explored possibilities for cooperation in renewable energy, industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Singh Deo also briefed the delegation on Odisha’s cultural heritage, agricultural economy and industrial transformation, underscoring the state’s focus on sustainable and inclusive development. Referring to Odisha’s business environment, the deputy chief minister said the state has emerged as an “Achiever” in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings and continues to attract global investors due to policy stability, robust infrastructure and industry-friendly governance.
He further informed the delegation that two of India’s three proposed Green Hydrogen Hubs would be set up in Paradip and Gopalpur, positioning Odisha as a major hub for renewable energy and decarbonisation initiatives.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue institutional dialogue and work towards translating the identified areas of cooperation into concrete partnerships and investments, officials added.
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