Around 17 firms have expressed interest to invest to the tune of ₹589 crore in the handlooms and textile sector in Odisha during the recent Make in Odisha Conclave 2018 in Bhubaneswar.

Three textile parks will come up in the state at Dhamnagar, Chhatabar and Ramdaspur, according to state minister for handlooms, textiles and handicrafts Snehangini Chhuria.

Shahi exports, which has a ₹50-crore stitching unit in the state, will invest another ₹51 crore to expand its unit. While 2,500 workers are already engaged by the firm, the fresh investment will create jobs for another 2,500, media reports from the state quoted the minister as saying.

Aditya Birla Fashion (Pantaloons) will invest ₹66 crore in the state’s apparel sector, while World Lotus Fashion will invest ₹20 crore to set up its stitching unit.

International fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra also showed interest to work for the state’s handlooms sector.

The state has received around 180 design reference collections on Sambalpuri sarees from Mohapatra, she added.