Odisha Seeks New Japanese Investments in Industry, Tech, and Tourism

Odisha is intensifying its efforts to expand economic and strategic connections with Japan, as a 60-member Japanese delegation begins a three-day visit to the state. This marks the largest Japanese delegation ever to visit Odisha and is expected to enhance investment promotion, industrial partnerships, and institutional collaboration between the two regions.

Japanese companies have already established significant operations in Odisha across multiple sectors, including steel, ceramics, refractories, food processing, and engineering. Indo-Nissin Foods runs a manufacturing facility in Khordha, while TRL Krosaki, backed by Japan's Krosaki Harima Corporation, operates in Belpahar. Other major Japanese firms active in Odisha include TYK Ceramics, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Yokohama Rubber, IHI Corporation, JFE Steel, and Nippon Steel, with combined committed investments exceeding ₹80,000 crore.

Key projects underway include a 12 million tonnes per annum steel plant by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India in Kendrapada district, with an investment above ₹1 trillion. Additionally, JFE Steel has joined forces with JSW Steel in a 50:50 joint venture to expand the Sambalpur steelworks, where JFE Steel is investing approximately ₹15,750 crore.

Energy and green technology are also focal points of collaboration. India's ACME Group and Japan's IHI Corporation have agreed to cooperate on three green-energy projects in Odisha, proposing a combined investment of ₹67,000 crore. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company and ACME Green Molecules Business have signed a long-term agreement worth an estimated $1 billion for supplying 100,000 tonnes of green methanol annually. Meanwhile, the Yokohama Group plans to invest $130 million to construct a new greenfield manufacturing facility in Gopalpur, and TYK Ceramics intends to invest ₹57 crore in an advanced refractory manufacturing unit.

The delegation, led by Shinji Hirai, Governor of Tottori Prefecture, includes senior government officials and business leaders. Their visit coincides with Odisha's ambition to become a leading hub for manufacturing and green energy development. Sampad Chandra Swain, Odisha's Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, emphasized the strong partnership between Odisha and Japan, highlighting the state's potential in manufacturing, food processing, technology, and skill development.

During the visit, Odisha and the Tottori Prefectural Government are expected to sign a cooperation agreement that will establish a formal framework for ongoing collaboration in economic activity, trade, tourism, cultural exchange, environmental initiatives, and youth and student programs. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will hold bilateral talks with Governor Hirai to explore further strengthening of economic and industrial ties.

The itinerary includes business interactions and roundtable discussions involving Japanese companies, Odisha government bodies, and industry stakeholders. Odisha aims to benefit from Japanese expertise in advanced manufacturing, engineering, food processing, and green energy technologies. The state's rich mineral resources, port infrastructure, growing industrial clusters, and skilled workforce present attractive opportunities for Japanese companies expanding their operations in India.

Startup Odisha is organizing a business meet at O-Hub in Bhubaneswar, bringing together entrepreneurs and business representatives from both sides. Two institutional memorandums of understanding are also planned: one between Startup Odisha and the Directorate of Industries, Tottori Prefecture, and another between the World Trade Centre and Tottori Prefecture.

Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha’s Industries Department, noted that the visit offers the Japanese delegation a first-hand look at Odisha’s industrial ecosystem and allows for direct engagement with local institutions and businesses. He mentioned planned business-to-business interactions that could open export opportunities and foster technology collaborations, particularly in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Following this visit, Odisha plans to send a delegation to Japan for further exchanges.

This visit builds on prior engagements between Odisha and Tottori Prefecture focused on investment, industrial growth, education, tourism, culture, and technology transfer. The state government now seeks to deepen this relationship by attracting new Japanese investments, supporting existing companies to expand, and promoting technology and skill development partnerships.

Odisha’s strategic location and resources combined with Japan’s industrial expertise have created a promising environment for long-term economic cooperation. The state's efforts to strengthen this partnership could play a significant role in its development as a manufacturing and green energy hub in India.