Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Invites Japanese Investors in Tokyo

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called on Japanese entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in his state during a recent visit to Tokyo. The invitation was made at a prominent investment event aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties between India and Japan.

Addressing a gathering of Japanese industrialists, Mr. Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh's evolution into a leading destination for investment in India, emphasising its secure environment, developed infrastructure, large consumer base, and a young workforce. He stated, 'Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the most preferred state for investment in India due to its secure environment, strong infrastructure, large market potential and young workforce.'

During his speech, he referenced the cultural significance of Uttar Pradesh, noting it as the birthplace of Lord Rama and a key site for Buddhism, which includes prominent locations such as Sarnath and Kushinagar.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister pointed out that under the guidance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like the Ramayana Circuit and Buddhist Circuit are enhancing spiritual tourism in the region. He remarked on the cultural ties between Japan and Uttar Pradesh, explaining, 'When we speak of Bhagwan Shree Ram and Bhagwan Buddha, it connects to the great Suryavansh tradition whose first ray rises on the land of Japan.'

Mr. Adityanath informed the business community about the development of a Japan Industrial City near the Noida International Airport, which aims to consolidate Japanese businesses in one area across an identified land area of 500 acres. This initiative is expected to offer enhanced connectivity, logistics support, and export facilities tailored for Japanese investors.

The Chief Minister further outlined Uttar Pradesh's agricultural strengths, noting that the state accounts for a substantial proportion of India’s food grain production despite having only 11% of the nation's agricultural land. He illustrated this point by sharing that the state produces nearly 21% of India's food grains, showcasing significant investment opportunities in food processing, packaging, and agricultural logistics.

Highlighting the state's impressive growth, Mr. Adityanath mentioned that Uttar Pradesh was once labelled as 'BIMARU' (backward state) but is now a critical engine for India’s economic development. He asserted that the state's economy and per capita income have nearly tripled over the past nine years.

In terms of technology and industries, he pointed out that 55% of India's mobile manufacturing and nearly 60% of electronic component production occurs in Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister pointed out strong potential for investments in areas such as data centres, semiconductors, logistics, warehousing, and renewable energy, citing a recent foundation stone laid for a semiconductor unit in the Noida region.

Prominent attendees at the investment event included Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, and India’s Ambassador to Japan Sibi George. This visit marks Mr. Adityanath's first official trip to Japan and signifies Uttar Pradesh's growing presence on the international business stage. For many from the Indian diaspora, his representation of Uttar Pradesh on this global platform was a moment of pride.

Overall, the Chief Minister's message resonated with the array of Japanese business leaders present, aiming to foster strong ties and mutual benefits through increased investment in Uttar Pradesh, thereby contributing to the state's economic landscape and development goals.