Building on the success of the UP International Trade Show-2024 (UPITS-2024), the Yogi Adityanath government is now gearing up to host similar trade shows at the divisional level.

Initially, these events will be organised in five divisional headquarters, with plans to expand it to all divisional headquarters in the near future.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Rakesh Sachan and Principal Secretary (MSME) Alok Kumar shared this information with the media during a press conference held at Lok Bhavan on Thursday. The minister also expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the successful organisation of the UP International Trade Show-2024.

Sachan stated that the second edition of the UP International Trade Show exceeded all expectations and marked a new chapter in the trade and industrial development of Uttar Pradesh.

“This edition has established new benchmarks compared to the first one held in 2023, positioning UPITS as one of the premier trade events in India. Chief Minister Yogi envisions organising similar trade shows in divisional headquarters as well, and officials have been instructed to develop an action plan for this initiative,” he said.

Principal Secretary (MSME) Alok Kumar stated that the programme had two main objectives: first, to provide a world-class platform for small industries, and second, to introduce the world to Uttar Pradesh's crafts, cuisine, and culture.

“While many Indian brands have already made their mark abroad, Uttar Pradesh lacks its own distinct brand. This programme aims to showcase our state. We are now focused on organising similar events at the divisional level. Although we may not attract a large number of international buyers, we anticipate participation from buyers outside the state,” Kumar remarked.

He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh is often viewed as a ‘mind-locked’ state rather than a ‘landlocked’ state due to the state’s traditional focus on the local market. “We have not yet pursued aggressive marketing to tap into external markets where we can generate greater revenue. This trade show will help us achieve that goal,” he said.

Emphasising that the state government is establishing three Unity Malls in Agra, Varanasi and Lucknow, Kumar stated, “These malls will provide space for artisan products. Additionally, we have acquired a mall in Bareilly through the Smart City initiative, which is set to become operational soon, and we already have arrangements in Noida. With this, we have made provisions in five divisions and have requested the Central government to construct an exhibition centre in every divisional headquarters, allowing artisans to showcase their products at affordable rates.”

MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan noted that the state’s products received significant appreciation from international buyers during the International Trade Show. “Uttar Pradesh is the first state to host its own international trade show, featuring 350 stalls dedicated to ODOP products, along with displays from various industries such as MSME, agriculture, defense, and textiles,” he pointed out.

He added, “In total, enquiries and leads worth Rs 10,000 crore have been generated. This platform has been beneficial for small artisans; for instance, jute bag makers received an order worth Rs 5 crore, while Varanasi’s Gulabi Meenakari also secured a Rs 5 crore order. Clearly, our government has created a substantial market for the products of our artisans and MSMEs, which aligns with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of transforming the state’s economy into a one-trillion-dollar powerhouse.”

Acknowledging that the market operates on its own principles, Principal Secretary Alok Kumar stated, “While we can facilitate the process, the quality and pricing of the products are determined by the artisan and the buyer, with minimal government interference. We are dedicated to providing a significant platform for our entrepreneurs, and we have successfully established this platform twice in Greater Noida. Our aim is to create similar platforms in every divisional headquarters where a large number of people can come to view these products and make purchasing decisions.”

He also mentioned that Vietnam was associated with this event for the first time as a partner country. Vietnam is eager to collaborate with Uttar Pradesh on a large scale across various sectors, including tourism and textiles, particularly within the state’s Buddhist circuit.