RJ Kesari News Desk: Products such as handicrafts, leather goods, One District One Product (ODOP) items, readymade garments, carpets, and engineering products have witnessed strong demand across BRICS markets, helping Uttar Pradesh achieve a significant export milestone.

UP Exports Cross $5.36 Billion in BRICS Markets

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the state exported goods worth more than US$5.36 billion (over ₹50,000 crore) to BRICS member countries and their partner nations during FY 2025-26.

Speaking at the BRICS MSME Forum held in Agra, UP MSME Minister Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said the state has been actively expanding its trade, investment, and technology partnerships with BRICS economies. He highlighted that Uttar Pradesh exports a wide range of products, including machinery, textiles, leather products, carpets, and precious stones, to several international markets.

Government data shows that exports worth approximately US$3.94 billion were shipped to BRICS member nations, while exports valued at around US$1.43 billion reached BRICS partner countries.

The three-day forum witnessed participation from representatives of various BRICS nations along with policymakers and officials associated with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

MSME Sector Driving Uttar Pradesh's Growth Story

The minister emphasized that the MSME sector in Uttar Pradesh has become one of the strongest pillars of the state's economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, innovation, and industrial development.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh is home to nearly 96 lakh MSME units, providing employment to around 1.65 crore people. This makes the state one of India's largest MSME hubs and a key contributor to national economic growth.

ODOP Scheme Connecting Local Products to Global Markets

Chaudhary credited the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme for helping traditional artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs access international markets.

The flagship initiative has played a crucial role in promoting unique regional products while creating new business opportunities for local industries.

According to official figures, more than 20,000 beneficiaries have received margin money assistance totaling nearly ₹897 crore under the ODOP scheme. These efforts have helped generate approximately 3.16 lakh employment opportunities across the state.

Vishwakarma Scheme Empowering Traditional Artisans

The minister also highlighted the achievements of the Vishwakarma Shramik Samman Yojana, which focuses on supporting traditional workers and craftsmen.

Under the scheme, over 4.41 lakh artisans have been provided with modern toolkits, skill development training, and financial support to improve productivity and increase income opportunities.

The initiative is helping preserve traditional crafts while enabling artisans to compete in modern markets.

Interest-Free Loans for Young Entrepreneurs

To encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship among youth, the state government has launched the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan.

Under this ambitious program, aspiring entrepreneurs can avail interest-free and collateral-free loans to establish new businesses. The government's target is to create 10 lakh new micro-enterprises over the next ten years, significantly boosting employment and economic activity in the state.

Industrial Ecosystem Strengthened Through MSME Parks

The Uttar Pradesh government is also working to strengthen the state's industrial infrastructure through the PLEDGE Scheme.

As part of this initiative, MSME Parks are being developed to provide entrepreneurs with better facilities, improved connectivity, and a supportive business environment. So far, such parks have been approved in 12 districts, paving the way for greater industrial investment and business expansion.

Uttar Pradesh Strengthening Its Global Economic Presence

With exports crossing ₹50,000 crore, a thriving MSME ecosystem, and successful initiatives such as ODOP, Vishwakarma Shramik Samman Yojana, and Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, Uttar Pradesh is steadily emerging as a major contributor to India's export growth.

The state's focus on empowering local industries, supporting entrepreneurs, and expanding international trade is helping position Uttar Pradesh as a leading economic and manufacturing hub in both India and the broader BRICS market.