Kanpur: Uttar Pradesh, home to more than 9.6 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), reaffirmed its position as one of India’s strongest industrial powerhouses during a major MSME conference organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in Kanpur. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from across the country to discuss investment opportunities, industrial growth and policy reforms in the state.
With over 14 million people employed in the MSME sector, Uttar Pradesh’s small and medium enterprises form the backbone of its industrial ecosystem. Through flagship initiatives such as the One District One Product (ODOP) programme, the RAMP scheme, and the Udyam Sarathi App, the state government is providing digital enablement, technological upgradation and financial assistance to entrepreneurs. Industrial development policies offering 10–20% capital subsidy and up to 50% interest subsidy are currently active to encourage investment.
UP Now the Safest State for Investment
Addressing the conference, Satish Mahana stated that Uttar Pradesh has become the safest state for investment in India. He credited the “double engine” government for transforming the state into the country’s second-largest economy, noting that the Gross State Domestic Product has doubled and per capita income has significantly increased.
He highlighted the state’s ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy, calling it bold and timely. “From law and order to world-class infrastructure, expressways, airports, ease of doing business and sectoral policies, the progress has been unprecedented. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the growth engine of a developed India and is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in the country,” he said.
Minister Nitin Agarwal, addressing the gathering online, reiterated that Uttar Pradesh is today the safest state for investment in India. He emphasised that strategic policy reforms and strong security measures have reshaped the most populous state into a modern economic powerhouse. “For investors looking at India, Uttar Pradesh stands out as the most secure and promising destination,” he said.
Strong Law and Order Assurance
Additional Director General of Police Alok Singh assured entrepreneurs that the safety of investors, industrialists and traders is a top priority for the Uttar Pradesh Police. “Ensuring the security of investments and investors is our responsibility. Entrepreneurs who have worked here over the past nine years can compare the improvements. We are committed to strengthening law enforcement further wherever necessary,” he stated.
ODOP and RAMP Driving MSME Competitiveness
Rajkamal Yadav, IAS and Managing Director of UPSIC, highlighted the rapid implementation of the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) scheme in Uttar Pradesh, aimed at improving competitiveness and productivity of MSMEs.
He also underscored the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, which has elevated local products to national and international markets through improved manufacturing, packaging, branding and quality standards. The innovative programme, originally launched in Uttar Pradesh, has now been adopted across India by the central government, creating employment opportunities nationwide.
Uttar Pradesh: A Rising Economic Power
K. Vijayendra Pandian, Divisional Commissioner and Director of Industries, described Uttar Pradesh as an emerging economic powerhouse. He noted that the government remains focused on strengthening MSMEs through targeted schemes, investor-friendly policies and strategic planning to achieve the goal of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
MLA Abhijeet Sanga attributed the growth of the industrial ecosystem to the positive and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He urged industrialists to take advantage of the state’s rapidly developing infrastructure, modern land banks, and more than 35 investor-friendly sectoral policies. “Kanpur welcomes you as a growth engine of India,” he said, adding that investments in Uttar Pradesh will strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar and developed India.
Chamber’s Commitment to MSME Growth
Mukesh Singh, Chairman of the IACC UP Coordination Committee, welcomed participants and remarked that over the past eight to nine years, Uttar Pradesh has become one of the most business-friendly states in India. “MSMEs are the backbone of economic progress in any state. The Chamber is committed to strengthening the MSME ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
IACC National President Anoop Acharya, who attended from Kolkata, spoke about bilateral trade, long-term MSME planning, employment generation and export-import opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. Prominent industrialists and officials including Anurag Lohia, Factory Director Sandeep Gupta, IAS officer Soumya Pandey, Additional Labour Commissioner Shamim Akhtar, IACC National Committee Chairman Sunil Jain, and Deputy Director of Industries Anjanesh Singh shared insights on labour reforms and export promotion.
Directors of IACC from Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad also participated, reflecting nationwide interest in Uttar Pradesh’s growth story. The vote of thanks was delivered by IACC Vice President Prashant Krishnan.
The conference concluded with a strong message: with robust policies, a secure environment and a thriving MSME base, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly positioning itself at the centre of India’s industrial and investment landscape.
