Bhubaneswar, Dec. 7 -- Odisha has emerged as the first choice for investors, with the state government approving projects worth over Rs 7 lakh crore since June, Odisha Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said.

Speaking at the curtain raiser of the flagship industry event on Sunday, Swain said the state's growing investment climate is a result of strong government initiatives and improved infrastructure. "From June 24th to today, we've approved investments worth more than Rs 7 lakh crore, which will create 4.5 lakh employment opportunities... Odisha is the first choice for investors," the minister told ANI on the sidelines of the 25th CII 'Enterprise Odisha' event in Bhubaneswar.

The event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CI...