Greater Noida: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3rd edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida on Thursday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several dignitaries were present at the high-profile event aimed at showcasing Uttar Pradesh as a dynamic hub for investment, infrastructure, and innovation.
UP Emerges as a Vibrant Hub of Investment and Growth
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister hailed Uttar Pradesh’s transformation under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, stating that the state has emerged as a “vibrant hub of investment and progress.” He called on domestic and global investors to capitalise on the vast opportunities the state offers.
“Improved connectivity, reduced logistics costs, and growing industrial capacity have made UP a gateway of progress,” said PM Modi, highlighting key infrastructure projects like the Dedicated Freight Corridor and the UP Defence Industrial Corridor.
Next-Gen GST Reform: A Milestone for Industry and Consumers
PM Modi spotlighted the recently introduced Next Generation GST reforms, calling them a “landmark in India’s economic journey.” He noted that the GST 2.0 framework has reduced the tax burden across essential consumer goods:
- Shirts priced at ₹1,000 now attract just ₹35–₹50 in tax (down from ₹170)
- Hair oil and face cream: Tax reduced from ₹31 to ₹5
- Vehicle prices: Tractors down by ₹40,000, two-wheelers by ₹8,000–₹9,000
“These reforms are putting ₹25,000 back into the pockets of average families annually,” said the Prime Minister, adding that they also boost economic growth, industry confidence, and consumption.
UP at the Forefront of ‘Make in India’: Mobile, Defence & Semiconductors
Highlighting UP’s leadership in manufacturing, PM Modi said the state now accounts for 55% of India’s mobile phone production. He announced that a major semiconductor manufacturing facility is soon to be launched near Greater Noida, taking India closer to self-reliance in critical technologies.
In the defence sector, the PM revealed that AK-203 rifle production, in collaboration with Russia, will begin in UP soon, further positioning the state as a weapons manufacturing hub.
Boost to Indigenous Products and ODOP
PM Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and promoting Swadeshi products. He urged Indian entrepreneurs to create business models based on user-friendly, durable, and globally competitive products.
He lauded the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, calling it a “global catalogue of India’s cultural and industrial diversity.” He noted that UP’s unique local crafts and products are now being exported worldwide.
Antyodaya and Digital India: Inclusive Growth in Action
On the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, PM Modi reiterated the principle of Antyodaya—ensuring that the benefits of development reach the poorest.
He pointed to platforms like UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and the GeM portal, through which 2.5 million small sellers are now supplying goods directly to the government. Of the ₹15 lakh crore worth of goods procured through GeM, ₹7 lakh crore came from small-scale industries, he noted.
UP’s Infrastructure Boom Fuels Investor Confidence
UP now boasts the highest number of expressways and international airports in India. The Prime Minister said this unprecedented infrastructure growth has significantly lowered logistics costs, improved business competitiveness, and enhanced connectivity to both domestic and global markets.
Towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047
Looking ahead, PM Modi said Uttar Pradesh’s progress forms the foundation of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. He described India’s democratic stability, young workforce, and robust consumer base as key attractions for investors.
“Despite global uncertainties, India is moving forward with new strategies and possibilities. I invite all investors to be part of this journey. Your efforts will help build a self-reliant, developed India,” he concluded.
