Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to explore new international employment opportunities for its skilled workforce as Romania seeks large-scale recruitment of trained professionals to address its growing labour shortage.
The development follows discussions with Manika Jain, who informed the Odisha government that Romania is facing a significant shortage of skilled manpower across multiple sectors and is keen to recruit workers from India.
According to the ambassador, Romania could absorb between 20,000 and 50,000 Indian workers annually over the next decade, creating substantial overseas employment opportunities for skilled youth from Odisha. To facilitate smoother mobility, India and Romania are currently working on a Social Security Agreement and a Mobility Partnership Agreement, which are expected to streamline recruitment, worker protection, and long-term employment arrangements.
The initiative aligns with Odisha’s efforts to strengthen skill development and connect trained workers with global employment markets. State authorities are expected to identify sectors where Odisha’s workforce can meet Romanian industry requirements, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality, engineering, and technical services.
Beyond labour mobility, the discussions also highlighted opportunities for expanding economic cooperation. Ambassador Jain encouraged Odisha to send a business delegation to Romania to explore trade and investment prospects. She noted that bilateral trade has been growing steadily, with India’s exports to Romania crossing $1 billion, indicating increasing commercial engagement between the two countries.
The Odisha government is also focusing on improving the quality and global competitiveness of higher education institutions to ensure that graduates possess the skills required in international labour markets. Enhanced university standards, industry-oriented training, and international partnerships are expected to play a key role in preparing students and professionals for emerging global opportunities.
The proposed collaboration with Romania could open a new avenue for overseas employment, boost remittance inflows, and strengthen Odisha’s position as a source of skilled human resources for international markets.
-OdishaAge
