The scale of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) at India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida offers a glimpse of the state’s growing focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). From traditional handicrafts and local products to businesses seeking international buyers, the event has brought attention to the transformation of Uttar Pradesh’s MSME ecosystem.
Behind the products displayed at the trade show is a longer journey involving traditional industries, financial support, technology upgrades and efforts to expand access to global markets. A key part of this policy approach has been the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative launched after Yogi Adityanath became chief minister in 2017.
ODOP Brings Traditional Industries Into Focus
Uttar Pradesh has long been associated with distinctive products from different districts. Moradabad is known for brassware, Bhadohi for carpets, Varanasi for Banarasi sarees, Firozabad for glass products, Kannauj for perfumes and Aligarh for locks.
The ODOP programme was designed to identify and promote traditional products associated with all 75 districts of the state. The initiative focused on supporting these industries with improved technology, skills and market opportunities while creating employment at the local level.
The programme also sought to help traditional artisans and small businesses adapt their products to changing market requirements rather than limiting them to conventional local markets.
Financial Support, Technology and Digital Markets
The implementation of ODOP has involved several areas, including access to finance, skill development, technology and marketing.
Financial assistance and credit access were linked with initiatives such as the MUDRA scheme and Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana. These measures were intended to help entrepreneurs and artisans invest in their businesses and expand their operations.
Technology and product quality also became important areas of focus. Artisans received training related to contemporary designs, quality control and packaging. Geographical Indication (GI) tagging has further helped identify products with specific regional origins and strengthen their market identity.
The expansion of e-commerce has provided another route for small businesses, particularly those operating outside major urban centres, to reach customers through digital marketplaces.
MSMEs and Uttar Pradesh’s Export Push
The expansion of the MSME sector has also been linked with employment generation across the state. According to the figures cited in the original account, Uttar Pradesh’s exports have crossed Rs 2 lakh crore, with traditional products reaching markets beyond the state and India.
The growing focus on exports has positioned ODOP as an important part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader economic strategy, including its stated objective of moving towards a one-trillion-dollar economy.
UPITS Connects Local Businesses With Global Buyers
The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show was developed as a platform to take the state’s products to international buyers. Held at India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, UPITS brings together exporters, importers, investors and business representatives.
The participation of international buyers and countries including Austria, Belarus, Japan, Russia, Singapore and Vietnam as partner countries has added an international dimension to the event. The trade show is also expected to provide local MSMEs with opportunities to establish business connections and explore international trade deals.
The event’s scale, including the participation of more than 1.5 lakh business representatives mentioned in the original account, reflects the emphasis being placed on connecting local enterprises with wider markets.
Beyond Sales: Learning About Global Trade
UPITS also serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing. Sessions at the event cover areas such as e-commerce and digital market access, brand building, the benefits of free trade agreements and the use of new technology.
For MSMEs, these discussions provide information on areas beyond production, including branding, digital commerce, supply chains and international trade practices.
The combination of ODOP and platforms such as UPITS represents Uttar Pradesh’s broader effort to connect traditional industries and small businesses with modern markets. The focus has increasingly moved from local production towards product development, branding and exports, giving the state’s MSMEs a larger role in its economic and trade strategy.