Patnaik, who had spent several years abroad before venturing into politics in 1997, for the first time decided to go to Britain to strengthen partnership between the Odisha Government and Department for International Development (DFID), they said.
"The issues like poverty and malnutrition are to be discussed with experts", an official said.
Besides holding discussion with DFID, the chief minister will open the first ever exhibition on Odisha Handloom in London. Handloom and handicraft products of the state have always attracted people in the UK and other European countries.
Besides a delegation of officers, Textile and Handloom Minister Usha Devi and Minister of State for ST and SC Ramesh Majhi will accompany the chief minister.
Patnaik is scheduled to return on May 30, the official said.
