MSMEs are the Second-Largest Job Creators After Agriculture: Yogi at the Inaugural Ceremony of UP International Trade Show-2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in the state’s economy during the inaugural ceremony of the UP International Trade Show-2024. Addressing a large audience on Wednesday, he stated, “With 96 lakh MSME units across 75 districts, the MSME sector is the second-largest employment generator in Uttar Pradesh after agriculture.”

The Chief Minister welcomed the event’s chief guest, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and took a tour of various stalls at the trade show. He underscored the historical importance of artisans and craftsmen in providing employment across the state, which faced challenges post-independence due to insufficient technological support and incentives.

Adityanath elaborated on his government’s efforts since 2017 to implement Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India. He specifically mentioned the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, which aims to promote unique products from each of the state’s districts. The initiative focuses on promotion, branding, marketing, design, packaging, and technology, which has turned it into a key driver of employment in Uttar Pradesh.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly moving towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a five trillion-dollar economy. Once considered an obstacle to India’s growth, Uttar Pradesh is now recognized as the growth engine driving the nation’s development, he noted. He stressed that no major industrial investment can succeed without a strong MSME foundation.

Highlighting the state government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, Adityanath said that MSME units affected by disasters can receive financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh upon online registration. He also praised the success of the ODOP scheme, which has led to Uttar Pradesh securing 75 GI tags—the highest in India.

Further emphasizing the state’s growing infrastructure, he pointed out that six expressways are operational, with construction underway for seven more. Uttar Pradesh currently has 11 functioning airports, with another 10 airports in development. The Noida International Airport (Jewar) is expected to be India’s largest, with plans to make it operational by the end of this year. Additionally, the Ganga Expressway, the longest in the country, will connect western and eastern Uttar Pradesh before the Prayagraj Mahakumbh in 2025.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the five-day trade show would provide a global platform to showcase the state’s products, potential, and cultural diversity. He also mentioned that over 2,500 exhibitors and 350 foreign buyers have confirmed their attendance. Furthermore, he extended his gratitude to Vietnam, which is participating as a partner country.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article has been sourced from publicly available reports and statements and is intended for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently before making business or financial decisions.