A high-level delegation from the Canadian Hindu Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) held a significant meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, marking a pivotal step towards bolstering economic ties between Canadian investors and India's most populous state.
Delegation Seeks Opportunities in Key Sectors
The 24-member group, led by the organisation's Founder President, Naresh Kumar Chawda, was formally welcomed by the Chief Minister. The delegates conveyed a concrete interest in channeling investments into several core areas of Uttar Pradesh's economy. The primary sectors identified for collaboration include Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), religious tourism, and hospitality.
In response, CM Yogi Adityanath assured the visiting business leaders of his government's full and unwavering support. He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is keen to promote fresh initiatives in the domains of trade, technology, and tourism. The Chief Minister highlighted the state's immense potential, robust security apparatus, good governance, and a highly favourable investment climate as key reasons for global investors to choose UP.
Showcasing UP's Economic Transformation
During the discussions, CM Adityanath elaborated on the transformative schemes implemented by his government. He particularly pointed to the success of the One District-One Product (ODOP) programme. This initiative has not only strengthened traditional local enterprises but has also provided support to approximately 9.6 million MSME units across the state, positively impacting the livelihoods of an estimated 25 million families.
In a notable observation, the Chief Minister stated that the ODOP drive has been so effective that Chinese products have largely vanished from local markets. Items produced under the ODOP banner are now proudly branded and are frequently chosen as official state gifts.
Underlining the state's economic ascendancy, Yogi Adityanath informed the delegation that Uttar Pradesh now ranks among the top contributors to India's economy. The state's proactive investment outreach was evident in the Global Investors Summit, which attracted investment proposals worth a staggering Rs 40 lakh crore. Projects worth Rs 15 lakh crore from this pool are already in various stages of implementation.
Future Collaborations and Roadmap
The Chief Minister also briefed the delegation on the rapid infrastructure growth in UP, including improved connectivity, an expanding airport network, and emerging opportunities in sectors like data centres, logistics, and advanced technologies.
On his part, CHCC Founder President Naresh Kumar Chawda outlined plans for future collaboration. He announced that the 'Invest India, Invest Canada' initiative will be organised on three occasions in Canada in the year 2026, with two of these events being specifically focused on Uttar Pradesh. Beyond the immediate focus areas, the Chambers also plan to explore initiatives in healthcare and facilities for senior citizens within the state.
This meeting signifies a growing international confidence in Uttar Pradesh's business ecosystem and paves the way for enhanced economic cooperation between Indian diaspora-led business groups in Canada and one of India's fastest-growing states.
