Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a significant meeting with a delegation of Canadian entrepreneurs in Lucknow on Sunday, January 5, 2026, pitching the state as a prime investment destination and seeking their partnership to boost exports of agricultural produce from local farmers.
Delegation Seeks Opportunities in MSME and Tourism
The 24-member group, representing the Canadian Hindu Chambers of Commerce and led by Naresh Kumar Chawda, expressed strong interest in channeling investments into Uttar Pradesh. Their focus areas included the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, religious tourism, and the hospitality industry. In response, the Chief Minister assured them of full support and cooperation from the state government to facilitate their ventures.
Adityanath briefed the delegation on the state's rapid economic progress, emphasizing the improved security, law and order situation, and a robust investment climate. He pointed out that members of the Chambers could play a pivotal role in bringing in crucial investment, advanced technology, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the state. The CM also informed them about the separate policy frameworks that have been established to attract FDI and Fortune 500 companies.
Showcasing UP's Infrastructure and Connectivity Prowess
Highlighting the infrastructural leaps made in recent years, the Chief Minister presented impressive statistics. He stated that Uttar Pradesh now accounts for 55 percent of the country's expressway network, featuring new greenfield expressways that have drastically enhanced connectivity. The state boasts the largest rail network in India, metro services in the highest number of cities, a rapid rail system, and the nation's first operational waterway.
"UP is a land of opportunities," Adityanath was quoted as saying, listing major projects like the upcoming film city and apparel park in Noida, new logistics hubs, and the state's emergence as a data centre hub. Four data centres are already operational, with six more in the pipeline, he added, underscoring the state's modernizing economy.
Direct Appeal for Farmer Prosperity Through Exports
In a key appeal, the Chief Minister specifically urged the Canadian entrepreneurs to contribute to the export of agricultural produce grown by Uttar Pradesh's farmers. This direct linkage aims to provide international market access and better remuneration for the state's agricultural community.
Naresh Kumar Chawda provided updates on the Invest India–Invest Canada initiative. While it is an annual event in Canada, he informed that in 2026, it will be organized three times, with two events specifically focused on Uttar Pradesh. His team committed to working actively within the state across the identified sectors of MSMEs, religious tourism, and hospitality.
Concluding the meeting on a cultural note, CM Adityanath invited the delegation members to visit key spiritual sites, including Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, and Prayagraj, highlighting the potential for religious tourism.
