A high-level delegation of entrepreneurs from Canada is actively considering significant investments in the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME), religious tourism, and hospitality sectors of Uttar Pradesh. This development follows a crucial meeting between the delegation and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Sunday.
Delegation Seeks Collaboration in Key Sectors
The 24-member group, representing the Canadian Hindu Chambers of Commerce, was led by its founder president, Naresh Kumar Chawda. During the discussions, they explored potential areas for collaboration spanning trade, technology, and tourism. In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured the delegation of full policy and administrative support from the state government.
The CM emphasized Uttar Pradesh's transformed business environment, highlighting the improved law and order situation and stable governance as key factors for investors. He presented the state as a premier investment destination, revealing that proposals worth a staggering ₹40 lakh crore were received at the Global Investors Summit. Out of these, projects valued at ₹15 lakh crore have already moved to the implementation stage.
Uttar Pradesh's Robust Economic Infrastructure
Detailing the state's strengths, CM Yogi pointed to the vast MSME ecosystem, which is supported by a network of 9.6 million units. He credited the successful One District–One Product (ODOP) initiative for helping traditional industries scale up through modern branding, technology infusion, and better market access.
To attract large-scale international capital, the state has framed separate policies aimed at drawing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Fortune 500 companies. The Chief Minister also outlined the massive infrastructure expansion underway, which includes new expressways, airports, logistics parks, and data centres. The upcoming Jewar International Airport was specifically mentioned as a project that will further solidify the state's industrial base.
Tourism and Future Roadmap
A major focus of the talks was the immense potential in religious and spiritual tourism. CM Yogi flagged opportunities linked to the circuits of Ayodhya, Kashi, Prayagraj, as well as the Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage trails. He invited Canadian investment and expertise in developing world-class hospitality infrastructure to cater to the expected surge in visitors.
On his part, Naresh Kumar Chawda announced concrete plans to strengthen economic ties. He revealed that the 'Invest India, Invest Canada' event will be held three times in Canada in 2026, with two editions specifically focused on Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, the Chambers plan to support initiatives in healthcare, senior housing, and diaspora tourism within the state.
This meeting marks a significant step in positioning Uttar Pradesh as a global investment hub, leveraging its economic reforms, demographic dividend, and rich cultural heritage to attract international partners like Canada.
