• Three-day Regional Trade Exhibition of Ayodhya and Devipatan Divisions organized jointly by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and FICCI
• Encouraging local entrepreneurs and artisans by providing a national platform and new opportunities
Ayodhya: The Uttar Pradesh Regional Trade Show (UPRTS) was inaugurated at Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Ramayana University, Ayodhya, under the joint aegis of the Department of Industries and Enterprise Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and FICCI. The three-day event marks a significant step towards giving the rich industrial and handicraft traditions of the Ayodhya and Devipatan divisions a national platform. The inaugural session witnessed notable participation from entrepreneurs, artisans, and industry representatives of the region.
The Chief Guest, Rakesh Sachan, Cabinet Minister for MSME, Khadi, Village Industries, Sericulture, and Textiles, Government of Uttar Pradesh, graced the occasion. Distinguished guests included Prof. Bhanu Pratap Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Ramayana University; Ramakrishnan, Senior Member, FICCI & ESG Head, India Pesticides Ltd.; K. Vijayendra Pandian, Commissioner and Director of Industries, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Ramchandra Yadav, MLA, Rudauli; Girishpati Tripathi, Mayor of Ayodhya; and Anuj Tiwari, Company Secretary and Insolvency Professional.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Rakesh Sachan said: “We are setting up a Unity Mall in every district of Uttar Pradesh to provide a new direction to our local artisans and ODOP (One District One Product) initiatives. The objective is to ensure that the products made by our artisans, rural workers, and laborers under ODOP are displayed and sold on a single unified platform. To realize this vision, Unity Malls have been established — one operational in Lucknow, another in Agra, and the third rapidly coming up in Varanasi. During this financial year, we are moving towards establishing one Unity Mall each in Ayodhya and Mathura, and three in Kanpur.
Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 through self-reliance, the double-engine government of Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is working relentlessly. The growth in Uttar Pradesh’s products and infrastructure over the past eight and a half years has led to increased global investment interest. Cities like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura have now emerged as attractive investment destinations.”
He further added that under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, artisans receive a stipend of ₹400 per training session along with a toolkit worth ₹15,000. Over 95,000 youth have been trained and connected with loans under the PM Yuva Yojana. The state’s aim, in line with PM Modi’s vision, is to create job opportunities so that “the youth become job providers, not job seekers.”
K. Vijayendra Pandian, Commissioner and Director of Industries, Government of Uttar Pradesh, stated,“This program began as an International Trade Show inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As directed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, such events should not remain confined to Noida and Delhi but be held across all districts to promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ concept. The goal is to develop markets for local products, especially those under ODOP and PM Vishwakarma initiatives.
Due to the Prime Minister’s efforts, GST relaxations have been introduced, benefiting small businesses and traders. In this sequence, 10-day Swadeshi Melas are being organized across districts, culminating under the Chief Minister’s guidance. The current three-day UP Regional Trade Show (17–19 October) at Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Ramayana University, Ayodhya, is part of this initiative, aiming to strengthen trade, industry, and entrepreneurship in Uttar Pradesh.”
Over 100 major traders from outside the region are participating to connect with local businesses, fostering partnerships and trade relations. The event also includes technical sessions and buyer-seller meetings.
Ramakrishnan, Senior Member, FICCI and ESG Head, India Pesticides Ltd., in his welcome address, said, “The MSME Corporation is not merely an institution but a vibrant network connecting MSMEs with mentors, incubators, and accelerators. This platform serves as a continuous journey of dialogue, collaboration, and innovation where industry, government, and regulators come together to implement policies at the grassroots level.”
Ayodhya Mayor Girishpati Tripathi remarked,“Ayodhya has emerged as a model of economic development blending tradition with modernity. Today, Ayodhya stands first in terms of pilgrim and tourist arrivals. It also leads Uttar Pradesh in GST collection and development pace.”
In the vote of thanks, Anuj Tiwari, Company Secretary and Insolvency Professional, highlighted the economic philosophy of Lord Shri Ram, citing references from the Valmiki Ramayana. The program was skillfully moderated by Ms. Manisha Pandey.
The three-day exhibition (17–19 October), jointly organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s Department of Industries and Enterprise Promotion and FICCI, features exhibitions, technical sessions, and business-to-business meetings (BSMs).
Over 100 regional vendors are showcasing their distinctive product lines, including both ODOP and non-ODOP enterprises. The event aims to link regional products to national markets, strengthen buyer-seller interactions, and create new growth opportunities for local enterprises.
