President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the first edition of the UP International Trade Show on Thursday and praised the vision of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the state’s efforts to showcase the products of the state on the international stage.

The trade show is being held at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, from September 21 to September 25. It aims to promote small businesses and products manufactured across Uttar Pradesh and introduce them globally. More than 2,000 exhibitors from Uttar Pradesh showcased their products at the trade show.

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“I congratulate all the participants of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show. This dedicated initiative to showcase the products of Uttar Pradesh both within the country and on the international stage is truly commendable. My sincere appreciation goes out to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and his dedicated team,” President Murmu said while addressing the first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show at the India Expo Center.

She further lauded Yogi’s dedication towards Uttar Pradesh’s development and consistent progress, and expressed confidence that the trade show would be a milestone in the state’s progress.

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“UP has made a special contribution to the economic development of the country in the last six years. The GDP of UP has increased from Rs 13 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 22 lakh crore. This achievement of economic growth is undoubtedly commendable,” the President said.

She further shed light on India being the fifth-largest economy in the world and its goal to become the third-largest economy. “UP has resolved to take its economy to one trillion dollars. UP and its people will contribute significantly to India’s goal of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy,” she added.

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Highlighting the ecosystem that is currently under progress for MSMEs in UP, President Murmu said, “UP ranks first among all the states in the country with 96 lakh MSME units. Despite being a landlocked state, the state’s exports are continuously increasing. The state’s exports have increased from Rs 88,000 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 1.75 lakh crore. This is the result of the hard work and ability of the entrepreneurs of the state.”

The President also mentioned the success of the G-20 summit and its impact on the world. “G20 accounts for 85 percent of the world’s total GDP and 75 percent of trade. The declaration adopted unanimously in the G-20 conference includes the goals of local value creation under Unlocking Trade for Growth and identifying the challenges faced by MSMEs and connecting MSMEs at the international level. More than 400 buyers from various countries of the world are participating in this trade show. I am confident that the UP International Trade Show will advance our national and international priorities in line with the goals of the G-20,” she said.

Praising the ODOP scheme and applauding the display of unique products from each district, the President also acknowledged the participation of young entrepreneurs, particularly women entrepreneurs, in showcasing their products.

She also addressed the growing participation of women in entrepreneurship and expressed the need for further increase. She also appreciated the presentation of 54 GI products from the state at the trade show, recognizing their significance in the developmental journey of UP.