Dr Ajay Sahai, DG & CEO, FIEO, addressed yesterday an august gathering at 3rd Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show's 1st Roadshow for the Delhi NCR region.
At the outset, let me express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for entrusting us with the responsibility of organising the Buyer-Seller Meet during the UP International Trade Show.
I also wish to compliment the Government of UP for its outstanding performance in exports. In the last fiscal year alone, UP recorded exports worth ₹1.86 lakh crore, registering a growth rate of 9.3%—substantially above the national average of 2.3%—despite prevailing global economic headwinds.
UP is currently the fifth-largest exporting state in India, but its potential far exceeds its current position. Just five districts—Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Moradabad, and Aligarh—contribute over 70% of the state's total exports. But beyond these, 70 other districts are brimming with products and services waiting for the right opportunity. The UP International Trade Show offers precisely that platform.
Our organisation, FEW, has worked with several progressive state governments such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. However, the scale and seriousness with which the Government of UP is driving its export agenda is unmatched. The range of sectors identified spans across agriculture and processed foods, handicrafts, handlooms, apparel, leather and leather goods, toys, sports goods, electronics, automobiles, EVs, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, IT and emergency services, traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Yoga, and even emerging areas like defence exports, renewable energy, and mining.
This clearly signals a comprehensive, 360-degree strategy for export growth—not just product identification, but also capacity building, institutional backing, infrastructure and logistics improvements, and easing business operations. I am confident that when UP reaches its target of a $1 trillion economy, it will be contributing nearly $100 billion in exports.
Coming back to the Trade Show—this is not just a domestic event. In the first edition, we hosted buyers from 66 countries. In the second, 71. For this edition, we are targeting participation from 80 nations. While we welcome all, we’re placing special emphasis on countries with strong trade ties with India.
The US remains a key focus, particularly in anticipation of a possible US-India bilateral agreement, likely to be announced soon. Our FTA with the UK is expected to be ratified by their Parliament within the next three months—a significant acceleration from earlier projections. We’re also progressing on the early harvest agreement with the EU.
We already have Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Australia and are pursuing an FTA with New Zealand—making Oceania a strategic focus. Within the GCC region, the UAE agreement is in place and negotiations with Oman and other GCC countries are well underway.
Uttar Pradesh plays a leading role in several sectors: it accounts for about 40% of India’s carpet exports, 25% of leather goods, over 17% of handicrafts, 12% of wheat exports, and even 20%+ of India’s electronics exports. These aren’t just numbers—they are sectors where UP is a national leader and where we are focusing our buyer outreach.
Our mission, however, goes beyond promoting existing exporters. Our focus is on creating new exporters. If India is to achieve its $2 trillion export target by 2030, it cannot rely only on the current players.
We need to cultivate new entrepreneurs and MSMEs to step into global markets.
We are also engaging global e-commerce platforms to support this ambition. Platforms like this Trade Show are a vital opportunity for showcasing India’s immense manufacturing and creative potential.
I’ve always believed that Indian MSMEs have world-class products and services. What they often lack is visibility. This platform provides that visibility. So I urge all entrepreneurs and exporters—whether emerging or established—to make the most of this opportunity.
Those who wish to understand what India has to offer should absolutely visit this show.
With that, I thank you all once again for your support and look forward to welcoming you next year with even greater momentum.
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