Grand Inauguration of the Third Edition of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Expo

The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Expo (UPITEX) 2025 commenced with great grandeur. Organized by the UP State Chapter of PHDCCI in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, Invest UP, and ODOP Uttar Pradesh, the event is being held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan. The grand inauguration took place on 23rd January, and the expo will continue until 27th January, featuring around 300 stalls. The primary goal of this expo is to establish Uttar Pradesh as a major hub for trade and investment.

The expo was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister, shri Rakesh Sachan. Distinguished guests at the event included Dr. Ranjeet Mehta (CEO and Secretary-General, PHDCCI), shri Rajesh Nigam (Co-Chairman, State Chapter, PHDCCI), shri Vivek Agarwal (Co-Chairman, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI), shri Sudeep Goenka (Managing Director, Shubham Goldiee Masale Pvt. Ltd.), shri Pankaj Kumar (Chief General Manager, NABARD, Lucknow), shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi (Retd. IAS and Advisor to the Hon'ble Chief Minister), shri Pranjal Yadav (IAS, Secretary, MSME & Export Promotion Department, Uttar Pradesh Government), and Regional Director of UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, shri Atul Srivastava. The dignitaries were felicitated with mementos by PHDCCI during the event.

The Chief Guest, shri Rakesh Sachan, congratulated PHDCCI on completing 120 years. He remarked that after observing the entire expo, it was evident that this platform is excellent for advancing entrepreneurs. Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath is making continuous efforts to promote industries in the state. Infrastructure is being consistently improved to support MSMEs, as exemplified by the Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Ganga Expressways. Platforms like these, showcasing MSME products from across the state, are commendable and bolster the government’s efforts to generate employment.

shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Retd. IAS and Advisor to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, “I have been associated with PHDCCI for the past 25-30 years. On the occasion of its 120th anniversary, I extend my congratulations from the UPITEX platform. The government is actively working to empower entrepreneurs in the state. Through this platform, we want to assure you that the state government will fully support MSME projects and their expansion. This expo is proving to be a vital platform for preparing local industries for global market competition and contributing to the state’s economic development.”

shri Pranjal Yadav, Secretary of the MSME and Export Promotion Department, remarked, “For any MSME’s growth, access to space, finance, and market availability plays a crucial role. Such expos provide entrepreneurs with market opportunities. The state government is offering various facilities such as loans and subsidies for this sector.”

Earlier, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary-General of PHDCCI, welcomed the entrepreneurs from across the country during his inaugural speech. He said, “PHDCCI is celebrating its 120th anniversary. UPITEX 2025 is a historic effort to elevate the state’s industrial capabilities to a global level. Together, we aim to establish Uttar Pradesh firmly on the world’s industrial map.”

Shri Rajesh Nigam, Co-Chairman of the UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, stated, “UPITEX will prove to be a milestone in the state’s industrial development and will benefit the region greatly in the coming years.”

shri Vivek Agarwal, Co-Chairman of the UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, added, “This event serves as an ideal platform for Uttar Pradesh’s entrepreneurs to establish their presence in global markets. It will assist small entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses.”

shri Pankaj Kumar, Chief General Manager of NABARD, Lucknow, shared, “NABARD has been participating in this event for the past three years, with significant support from the government. We hope the MSME sector continues to receive government encouragement in the future.”

Shri Sudeep Goenka, Managing Director of Shubham Goldiee Masale Pvt. Ltd., expressed, “We are delighted that UPITEX’s third edition coincides with the first anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla. Over 300 stalls have been set up by participants from various states. We will provide training to small entrepreneurs so they can play a significant role in the state’s journey to becoming a $1 trillion economy.”

shri Atul Srivastava, The Regional Director of the UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, concluded the event by expressing gratitude. He said, “With the support of the Hon’ble Minister, we have successfully organized the expo on such a large scale. Next year, we aim to make it even bigger and invite entrepreneurs from all districts of the state. We also extend an invitation to Lucknow residents to visit the expo.”