Strengthening Ties with Slovakia
Odisha’s emergence as a global investment destination was underscored during a meeting between Slovak Ambassador to India, Robert Maxian, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Ambassador Maxian emphasized that Odisha holds a key position in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Slovakia, particularly in trade and industrial collaboration.
“Odisha is a key state we are concentrating on,” Maxian remarked, pointing to growing Slovak investments in the region. The ambassador’s visit comes in the lead-up to the ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave, a flagship event showcasing the state’s potential for international trade and cooperation.
Slovak Investments in Odisha
Highlighting the deepening partnership, Maxian announced that Slovak company Tatravagonka Poprad, through its partner Jupiter Wagons, will invest INR 2,500 crores in Odisha. This investment aims to produce railway bogies, with production starting in 2027. Half of the output will be for the Indian market, while the other half will be exported internationally.
This initiative aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ policy, focusing on boosting manufacturing and job creation. Maxian noted the importance of such collaborations for both countries, stating, “We are creating jobs in India, which is very important for Slovakia.”
Political and Economic Engagement
The relationship between India and Slovakia has deepened in recent years, particularly in light of geopolitical changes. Maxian pointed out that the Russian aggression has intensified diplomatic dialogue, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovakia’s Prime Minister regularly engaging in discussions.
“There is a high level of political dialogue between our countries,” Maxian said, emphasizing that foreign ministers from India and Slovakia have met four times in the past 20 months, a sign of growing bilateral engagement. The trade volume between the two countries is expected to reach 1 billion Euros in 2024, marking a significant milestone in their foreign trade relations.
Make in Odisha: A Growing Investment Hub
The meeting between the Slovak Ambassador and Odisha’s Chief Minister was part of a series of events leading up to the ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave scheduled for January 28-29. Odisha, with its strategic location along India’s eastern seaboard and a coastline of over 480 kilometers, is positioning itself as a hub for global investments.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted Odisha’s immense natural wealth, noting that the state is rich in minerals like iron ore, bauxite, chromite, and coal. These resources, coupled with vast forest and water reserves, have made Odisha a key player in India’s mineral and metal-based industries.
“We invite the global community to explore investment opportunities in our state,” said Majhi. He encouraged international stakeholders to look at Odisha as a dynamic destination for trade, collaboration, and industrial growth.
Expanding Cultural Ties
Beyond economic engagement, Slovakia is also looking to deepen cultural exchanges with India. Maxian expressed his enthusiasm for expanding cultural cooperation, stating that Slovakia has chosen India as a key partner in the cultural sector. He envisions greater collaboration in areas such as music, handicrafts, and films, with plans to bring Slovak musicians and artisans to India for cultural presentations.
Odisha’s Vision for the Future
Odisha’s ‘Make in Odisha’ mission, highlighted by these international partnerships, showcases the state’s potential as a global industrial and cultural hub. With foreign investments, like the Slovak railway bogie project, and expanding political and cultural ties, Odisha is setting the stage for becoming a key player in both India’s and the global economy.
The upcoming ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave aims to solidify these connections and attract more investments, ultimately driving the state’s economic and industrial growth forward.
(With inputs from agencies)
