Bhubaneswar,16/02: Odisha, endowed with abundant criticalminerals and natural resources, has the potential to become one of the mostprosperous regions in Southeast Asia, according to experts at the Vibrant Odisha Conclave 2025.During the session themed “Vision Odisha 2036: Building Strategies for a Better Tomorrow,” Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo shared the state government’s multi-faceted approach to boosting thestate’s economy.“Our government is implementing a comprehensive strategy forsocio-economic development. We are focused on maximising the value-addedprocessing of key minerals like iron ore. Additionally, we are promotingorganic farming, farm mechanisation, food storage solutions, and thedevelopment of industrial infrastructure.We are also working on strengtheningthe information technology ecosystem,” said Singh Deo.Government Deputy Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan highlighted Odisha’s growing appeal as an investment destination.He credited the state’s forward-thinking government and the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi forOdisha’s emerging position as one of the country’s most favored regions forbusiness and development.Former finance minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadai praised thestate’s fiscal progress, noting that Odisha had moved into surplus budgetterritory in 2005-06 due to prudent fiscal management. However, he pointed outthat previous economic growth had not been inclusive. He stressed that the newgovernment must ensure that economic benefits reach all sections of society andevery region of the state.Renowned economist and author R.P. Gupta, who delivered thekeynote address, outlined an ambitious growth target for Odisha. He emphasisedthat the state must aim for an annual growth rate of 11 percent to achieve fulldevelopment by 2036, marking its centenary as a state.Prashant Hota, President of Jindal Steel and Power Limited,echoed the need for diversification. He urged the Odisha government to shiftits focus from mineral-based industries to other economic sectors in order tosecure sustainable development.Sanjya Jena, Editor of Argus News, brought attention tocritical social issues that must be addressed for the state to be recognized astruly developed. He highlighted the need to tackle malnutrition, stunted growthin children, and high rates of infant and maternal mortality.The session’s context was set by Dr Pravas Mishra and seniorjournalist Sriram Dash and Akshaya Kumar Sahoo modered the session.