UPITS 2026: Dr. Rakesh Kumar Reveals How Uttar Pradesh is Becoming India’s Global Sourcing Hub | India Expo Mart

Greater Noida News (29/06/2026): Uttar Pradesh has taken another decisive step towards establishing itself as one of India’s most influential global trade and investment destinations with the official Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the fourth edition of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) 2026, inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing economies and that UPITS has become a powerful platform for showcasing the state’s industrial capabilities, manufacturing excellence, export potential, and investment opportunities before the global business community.

In an exclusive interaction with Ten News Network, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Expo Mart and widely recognized as the “Export Man of India,” shared the roadmap for UPITS 2026, highlighting ambitious plans to expand international participation, strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s export ecosystem, promote MSMEs and ODOP products, introduce the landmark One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative, and position the state as a permanent Global Sourcing Hub.

From a Vision in 2023 to an Internationally Recognised Trade Platform

Reflecting on the journey of UPITS, Dr. Rakesh Kumar said that when the trade show was conceptualized under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in 2023, it was considered an ambitious and unprecedented initiative. No Indian state had previously organized an international trade exhibition of such scale and strategic importance.

Today, within just three editions, UPITS has evolved into one of India’s fastest-growing international trade exhibitions. It has successfully connected artisans, manufacturers, exporters, entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs from Uttar Pradesh with buyers from across the globe while significantly enhancing the international visibility of the state’s products.

He emphasized that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally monitors the event’s preparations, underscoring the government’s commitment to making UPITS a long-term catalyst for economic growth. According to Dr. Kumar, the 2026 edition will further reinforce Uttar Pradesh’s identity as a trusted and sustainable Global Sourcing Hub.

One District One Cuisine: The Next Big Economic Game Changer

Among the biggest attractions of UPITS 2026 will be the launch of One District One Cuisine (ODOC), an initiative designed to replicate the remarkable success of the globally acclaimed One District One Product (ODOP) programme.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar explained that Uttar Pradesh’s diverse culinary heritage possesses enormous commercial potential. Iconic regional delicacies such as Agra’s Petha and Dalmoth, Varanasi’s Lassi and Paan, Mathura’s Peda, Bareilly’s Rabri, and Jhansi’s Bafla represent not only cultural traditions but also untapped business opportunities.

With professional branding, value addition, modern packaging, and international marketing, these traditional food products can evolve into globally recognized brands, attracting investment, creating new industries, boosting food processing, and generating large-scale employment. He described ODOC as a “masterstroke” that could redefine Uttar Pradesh’s food economy.

Foreign Participation Expected to Reach Historic Highs

Speaking about global engagement, Dr. Kumar revealed that international participation has witnessed consistent growth since the inaugural edition—from nearly 60 countries in the first edition to 70 in the second and 85 in the third.

For UPITS 2026, the organizers have adopted an even more aggressive international outreach strategy in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

For the first time, a dedicated Hosted Buyer Programme will facilitate the participation of carefully selected overseas buyers by providing airfare and accommodation support. This initiative is expected to enable international buyers to experience Uttar Pradesh’s manufacturing ecosystem firsthand and establish long-term sourcing partnerships with Indian businesses.

Dr. Kumar expressed confidence that the number of participating countries, international buyers, and global trade delegations would surpass all previous editions.

Showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s Emerging High-Tech Industrial Ecosystem

Dr. Rakesh Kumar emphasized that UPITS 2026 will project Uttar Pradesh far beyond its traditional strengths in agriculture and handicrafts.

The exhibition will prominently showcase emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, electronics production, advanced engineering, security equipment, smart manufacturing technologies, and next-generation industrial innovation.

He noted that Jewar, Greater Noida, and the surrounding industrial corridor have rapidly emerged as one of India’s most dynamic manufacturing ecosystems, reflecting Uttar Pradesh’s remarkable industrial transformation.

Strong Centre-State Coordination Accelerating Industrial Growth

Highlighting the role of the Central Government, Dr. Kumar credited the “Double Engine Government” for providing unprecedented institutional support to Uttar Pradesh’s industrial ambitions.

He pointed out that the inaugural edition of UPITS was opened by the President of India, the second by the Vice President, while the third edition was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—demonstrating the growing national significance of the event. He further acknowledged the continued support extended by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Ministry of MSME, and several central agencies, which has significantly enhanced UPITS’ credibility on the global stage.

A Mega Business Platform for MSMEs, ODOP Enterprises and Startups

Calling UPITS a “Kumbh of Commerce,” Dr. Kumar said the exhibition has become the most comprehensive business platform for entrepreneurs across Uttar Pradesh. Products representing all 75 districts of the state are displayed under one roof, enabling direct interaction between manufacturers and domestic as well as international buyers.

Nearly 2,500 exhibitors benefit from business networking, B2B meetings, export opportunities, strategic collaborations, and market expansion. He noted that for MSMEs, ODOP enterprises, and startups, UPITS has evolved into one of the most effective gateways to international markets.

Trade Facilitation, Not Investment Announcements

Clarifying the distinction between an Investors Summit and a Trade Show, Dr. Kumar explained that while investment summits focus on attracting future investments, trade exhibitions are designed to facilitate immediate business transactions.

Our role is to act as a bridge between buyers and sellers, he said. We create an environment where businesses can establish trust, negotiate partnerships, and convert discussions into real commercial orders.

Exceptional Industry Response Ahead of UPITS 2026

Dr. Kumar revealed that preparations for each edition begin immediately after the previous one concludes.

The recent roadshow held in Delhi received an overwhelming response, attracting Union and State Ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors from several countries, leading trade associations, industry chambers, and representatives from more than 350 organizations.

According to him, the enthusiastic participation clearly demonstrates that UPITS has evolved into one of India’s most respected and internationally recognized trade exhibition brands.

UPITS 2026 Aims to Create New Benchmarks

Speaking about the Chief Minister’s vision, Dr. Rakesh Kumar described Yogi Adityanath as a visionary leader who consistently sets higher benchmarks every year. He said the Chief Minister has directed the organizing team to make the fourth edition significantly larger, more comprehensive, technologically advanced, and globally impactful than ever before.

Expressing confidence in the event’s success, Dr. Rakesh Kumar said the 2026 edition is expected to establish new records in exhibitor participation, international buyer attendance, foreign delegations, and global business engagement. I firmly believe UPITS 2026 will not only become a landmark event for Uttar Pradesh but will also redefine the future of India’s trade exhibition industry, he said.

A Defining Moment for Uttar Pradesh’s Global Economic Aspirations

More than just a trade exhibition, UPITS 2026 represents the evolution of Uttar Pradesh into a globally competitive manufacturing, export, innovation, and investment powerhouse.

By integrating traditional craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing, promoting MSMEs alongside emerging technologies, and connecting local enterprises with international markets, the event embodies the state’s broader vision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Backed by the strategic leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the unwavering support of the state government, the fourth edition of UP International Trade Show is widely expected to become the most ambitious, impactful, and globally significant edition to date—cementing Uttar Pradesh’s position as India’s emerging Global Sourcing Hub and setting new standards for international trade exhibitions in the country.

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