<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">A senior United States delegation has held talks with
officials from the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) to explore potential investment
opportunities in Odisha’s growing maritime sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">The delegation, led by US Consul General in Hyderabad
Laura Williams, met PPA Chairman P. L. Haranadh in Bhubaneswar. Discussions
focused on expanding cooperation in port-led development and strengthening
trade links between the two sides.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">Several key infrastructure projects were highlighted
during the meeting. These included plans for the proposed Bahuda satellite
port, a green hydrogen jetty at Paradip to support clean energy initiatives,
and a shipbuilding cluster along the Mahanadi river in Kendrapara district.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">Both sides also discussed ways to improve cargo
movement and increase export-import activity through the port. The US
delegation expressed interest in Odisha’s strategic position as an emerging
maritime hub on India’s eastern coast.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">In a statement, the Paradip Port Authority said the
meeting reflected a shared interest in developing modern and sustainable
infrastructure, with the potential for Paradip to play a larger role in global
trade.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">Officials said the port authority remains focused on
building international partnerships and promoting sustainable growth,
particularly in areas such as renewable energy and industrial development.<o:p></o:p></span></p>