Bhubaneswar: Spain has shown strong interest in collaborating with Odisha across important industries such as renewable energy, metallurgy, textiles, and automobiles. This growing interest became evident when Spain's Ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, held discussions with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar last Saturday. The discussions focused on long-term strategic partnerships that could benefit both regions.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted Odisha’s impressive economic growth and its rise as one of India’s top destinations for investment. He emphasized the state’s business-friendly policies and readiness to support industries, making it an ideal partner for Spanish companies looking to expand in South Asia.
Ambassador Pujol praised Odisha’s thriving industrial sector and reaffirmed Spain’s interest in sustainable, technology-driven collaborations. Since Odisha is rich in minerals and home to major steel production hubs, the talks also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in steel and refractory manufacturing.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted Odisha’s impressive economic growth and its rise as one of India’s top destinations for investment. He emphasized the state’s business-friendly policies and readiness to support industries, making it an ideal partner for Spanish companies looking to expand in South Asia.
Ambassador Pujol praised Odisha’s thriving industrial sector and reaffirmed Spain’s interest in sustainable, technology-driven collaborations. Since Odisha is rich in minerals and home to major steel production hubs, the talks also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in steel and refractory manufacturing.
As an example of existing partnerships, Majhi mentioned that TIMAB Magnesium India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the French-Spanish company Groupe Roullier, is investing ₹90 crore to set up a refractory manufacturing unit in Khurda. This project is expected to create more than 300 jobs, boosting local employment.
This meeting marks an important step toward deeper economic ties between Spain and Odisha, paving the way for future collaborations that could benefit both economies.
Clean Energy: A Key Pillar of Collaboration
Turning to clean energy, Odisha is actively courting Spanish renewables giants such as Siemens Gamesa, Acciona, and Iberdrola. The Chief Minister pitched the state’s potential in solar parks, offshore wind farms, floating solar installations, and green hydrogen ventures as prime investment opportunities. He stressed Odisha’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable development, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.Textile Industry: A Key Area for Collaboration
Another major area of discussion was the textile industry. Odisha has developed integrated textile parks and a skilled workforce, making it an attractive location for global fashion brands. Chief Minister Majhi invited well-known Spanish brands like ZARA, Desigual, and Mango** to consider setting up sourcing hubs and innovation centers in the state.“Odisha is committed to a green energy transition and aims to become a key part of Spain’s global supply chain in textiles,” Majhi said.
A Promising Future for Spain-Odisha Partnerships
With its strong industrial base, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policies, Odisha is positioning itself as a major hub for international businesses. Spain’s interest in collaborating across multiple sectors signals growing global confidence in the state’s economic potential. If these partnerships materialize, they could bring significant investments, job opportunities, and technological advancements to Odisha while strengthening Spain’s presence in India.This meeting marks an important step toward deeper economic ties between Spain and Odisha, paving the way for future collaborations that could benefit both economies.
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