Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined forces with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to drive economic growth in the Indian state. The collaboration comes as part of an agreement between the Odisha government and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). Under the memorandum of understanding, TBI will provide free policy support and assist in developing a comprehensive economic strategy for Odisha.
During their meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhubaneshwar, Blair and Patnaik discussed the future perspectives of economic development and growth in Odisha. The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the initial suggestions provided by TBI and emphasized the importance of balanced industrial growth and inclusive benefits for citizens. Blair, in turn, commended the state’s achievements in various sectors and praised the 5T initiative for its transformative changes in governance.
As part of the collaboration, TBI will deploy a team of four resources for a 24-month period. Working closely with the Odisha team, they will engage in activities such as current-state analysis, external benchmarking, roadmap design, capacity development, and effective communication of core reforms. The focus will be on prioritizing emerging industries and developing multimodal transport logistics to drive growth in the region.
Headquartered in London and founded in 2016, TBI operates in over 45 countries, specializing in governance, foreign policy, investments, infrastructure and cities, climate and energy, and human capital. With their expertise and global network of experts, TBI aims to contribute to the economic development of Odisha through this collaboration.
The partnership between Tony Blair and Naveen Patnaik holds great potential for driving economic growth and prosperity in Odisha. By leveraging the expertise of TBI, the state can benefit from policy support and assistance in formulating a comprehensive economic strategy. With a focus on balanced industrial growth and inclusive benefits, this collaboration aims to create a favorable environment for development and enhance the overall well-being of the citizens of Odisha.
