‘The export of raw materials cannot be accepted, finished products return; The addition of value must occur in India ‘: PM Modi

Odisha cm Mohan Charan Majhi welcomes PM Modi during the opening day of the ‘utkarsh odisha conclave’ in Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on January 28, 2025. Photo credit: Biseranjan Rout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) said he cannot accept that raw materials are exported and finished products that are sent to the country, stating that value additions must occur here.

Opening the ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make In Odisha conclave’ in Janata Maidan de Bhubaneswar, Mr. Modi said he considers East India as the country’s growth engine, and the state plays an important role in it.

“The development of the country is not possible only exporting raw materials. Therefore, we are changing the entire ecosystem and working with a new vision, ”he said.

“Minerals are extracted here and export to another country where the additional value is carried out and new products are made. These finished products are sent back to India. This trend is not acceptable for Modi, ”he added.

The prime minister said that the aspirations of millions of people were promoting the movement of India in the path of development.

“Today, India is moving in a development path promoted by the aspirations of millions of people. This is an era of AI, and everyone talks about the. However, the aspiration of India, not only AI, is the power of our country. Aspiration grows when people’s needs are met. In the last decade, the country has witnessed the benefit of empowering millions of people. Odisha represents the same aspiration, ”he said.

“Odisha is exceptional and represents the originality and optimism of the new India. Odisha has opportunities, and the people of Odisha have exhibited the spirit of superior performance, ”he added.

Mr. Modi said that the 21st century has to do with the connected infrastructure and multimodal connectivity.

“India is building specialized infrastructure at an unprecedented speed and scale. It will make India a great destination for investment, ”he said.

The prime minister said that ASEAN countries have shown interest in strengthening commercial ties with Odisha.

“I consider the east of India as the growth engine of the country, with Odisha playing a crucial role in this. History shows that at the time when India contributed significantly to global growth, east of India also made important contributions, ”he said.

“I am sure that Odisha will soon reach development heights that no one has imagined. I am happy that the entire team of Prime Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is committed to accelerating the development of the State, ”he said.

The prime minister said that research and innovation are needs of the time.

“The government is working to build a vibrant ecosystem for research and a special fund for it has also been generated. Industries must present and work with the government, ”he said.

When the long coast of the state, Mr. Modi said that the old ports are being developed here and that new ones are being developed.

The prime minister said that the State has immense tourist potential.

“Today, the approach focuses on India, Sane in India. The natural beauty of this place is conducive to this, ”he said.

It is expected that around 7,500 delegates, including some of the main industrialists, attend the two -day conclave, according to a statement.

The president of the Vedanta Group, Anil Agarwal, the president of the Aditya Birla group, Kumar Mangalam Birla, and the president of Jindal Steel and Power, Naveen Jindal, were present in the inauguration function.

The Minister of Education of the Union, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Railroad Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were also present.

The prime minister also inaugurated the exhibition ‘Make in Odisha’, showing the state’s achievements in the development of an industrial ecosystem.

The conclave will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors and policy formulators to converge and discuss the opportunities that Odisha offers as an investment destination, according to the statement.

Among the programs that are organized in the conclave are the CEOs and the round tables of the leaders, the sector sessions, the B2B meetings and the political discussions, he said.