The High Commissioner of Canada to India, Christopher Cooter, held important discussions with senior leaders in Odisha during his visit to the state on Friday.
Bhubaneswar
During a courtesy visit to Naveen Patnaik’s residence in Bhubaneswar, the Canadian delegation discussed a wide range of issues related to Odisha’s economic growth and development. Patnaik, who is also president of the Biju Janata Dal, reportedly exchanged views with the delegation on how Canada could contribute to Odisha’s expanding industrial and economic landscape.
The discussions mainly centered on strengthening trade relations, attracting foreign investment, and exploring long-term cooperation between Canadian businesses and Odisha’s emerging sectors. Officials indicated that both sides recognized the growing importance of Odisha in India’s industrial and energy future.
Earlier the Canadian High Commissioner and his wife met Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo at Lok Seva Bhawan. The meeting covered several strategic areas including agri-export, technological collaboration, bilateral trade, clean energy, and industrial development.
According to an official statement, Singh Deo highlighted Odisha’s dominant position in India’s mineral sector. He noted that the state holds nearly 92 percent of the country’s chromite reserves and also possesses substantial rare earth mineral deposits along its coastline. These natural resources have made Odisha an attractive destination for global investment, particularly in mining and value-added manufacturing industries.
The Canadian delegation reportedly expressed strong interest in Odisha’s automobile sector and other industrial investment opportunities. Discussions also focused on leveraging technology partnerships to promote sustainable industrial growth and innovation-driven development.
During the interaction, Singh Deo briefed the Canadian delegation on Odisha’s historical background, cultural heritage, and agricultural economy. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to balancing traditional values with modern economic progress. The Deputy Chief Minister stated that Odisha welcomes international partnerships that can bring advanced technology, foreign investment, and wider market access while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development.
Odisha’s improving business environment was also highlighted during the discussions. The state has been classified under the Achiever category in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, reflecting improvements in policy stability, infrastructure development, and investor-friendly governance.
A major point of interest during the talks was Odisha’s emerging leadership in renewable energy. Out of the three Green Hydrogen Hubs planned across India, two are set to be established in Odisha at Paradip and Gopalpur.