UP govt committed to supporting investors: Minister

Uttar Pradesh has strong investment potential and the state government is committed to extending full support to investors, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Rakesh Sachan said on Friday.

He was speaking at the ongoing Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, while addressing the India–Russia Business Dialogue on the second day of the event.

Welcoming Russian delegates and business leaders, Sachan said the dialogue would help strengthen business relations between the two countries. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India was moving towards becoming a developed country, while under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh was setting new benchmarks in development.

“The India–Russia cooperation has evolved from supporting India’s industrialisation in earlier decades to today’s strategic partnership covering defence, energy, space and many other sectors,” Sachan said.

He added that bilateral trade had grown to record levels and expressed confidence that the goal of achieving USD 30 billion in trade with Russia by 2025 would be met.

Referring to the inauguration of UPITS, Sachan underlined Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on the importance of the MSME sector. Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of MSME units in India, estimated at around 90 lakh, employing about 15 per cent of the state’s population. Schemes such as One District, One Product have given local artisans and entrepreneurs access to international markets, he said.

“With a population exceeding 25 crore, Uttar Pradesh represents a vast and sustainable market for investors. Industries here thrive both at the production and consumption levels,” Sachan noted, urging Russian partners to support the state’s growth with advanced technology.

Calling the trade show more than an exhibition, Sachan said, “The UPITS is an initiative to connect the nation’s and the state’s development to new horizons.”

Additional Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh government, Alok Kumar, inaugurated the India–Russia Business Dialogue. The session was moderated by Zlata Antyusheva, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Russia, with a welcome address by Deputy Trade Commissioner Evgeny Zhenchenko. Antyusheva expressed confidence that bilateral business ties would continue to deepen.

(With inputs from agencies)