Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Thursday held discussions with Canadian High Commissioner to India Christopher Cooter on strengthening bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade, mining, clean energy and technology partnerships in Odisha.
The meeting took place at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar and was attended by senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Vishal Kumar Dev and Principal Secretary of Forest, Environment & Climate Change as well as OPTCL CMD Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma.
During the interaction, Singh Deo highlighted Odisha’s strategic importance in India’s mineral economy, stating that the state holds nearly 92 per cent of the country’s chromite reserves and possesses significant rare earth mineral deposits along its coastline.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade, agri-export opportunities, technology collaboration and foreign direct investment in sectors such as mining and value-added industries. The Canadian delegation also expressed interest in investment prospects in Odisha’s automobile sector.
The Deputy Chief Minister briefed the delegation on Odisha’s industrial growth, agricultural landscape and cultural heritage, while emphasising the state’s efforts to balance economic expansion with sustainable development.
“Odisha welcomes global partnerships that bring technology, investment and market access while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth,” Singh Deo said during the meeting.
The discussion also touched upon Odisha’s growing role in renewable energy and green technology. The Deputy Chief Minister noted that two of India’s proposed Green Hydrogen Hubs will be established in Odisha at Paradip and Gopalpur, positioning the state as a key player in India’s clean energy transition.
According to the government release, Canada has shown interest in partnering on projects related to clean energy and industrial cooperation.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue institutional dialogue and explore identified areas of cooperation further.
