Aditya Birla Group has decided to invest around Rs 75,000-80,000 crore in Orissa in different segments over the next few years.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman, Aditya Birla Group (ABG) stated that the proposed investment will be made in sectors including retail business, cement, alumina and telecommunications.

“We are committed to larger investments in Orissa. It is a very important investment destination for us,” Mr. Mangalam said.

Mr. Birla, who was in the city to discuss some project related matters with Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, expressed his intention to launch its retail business in Orissa.

He also said that the retail business in the State would be commenced in the next six months.

Regarding the difficulties facing the execution of an alumina refinery project of Utkal Alumina, the alumina refinery project, at Raygada,
Mr. Birla said that the company has sought the state government intervention in sorting out the issues.

While one section of the locals was still vehemently opposing the refinery project, the families already displaced were seeking a better deal.

The other projects that were also discussed at the meeting, which lasted for around 100 minutes at CM’s office, includes Hindalco Industries’ proposed world-class aluminium complex in Koraput and Sambalpur regions at a cost of Rs. 11,000 crore, a cement project in Sundargarh district by Grasim Industries and new plans in telecom and retail segment.

Top government functionaries and the group were also present in the meeting.