Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said in the past seven-eight years, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has transformed the image of Uttar Pradesh and has given the state a new direction, bringing about significant change in the overall affairs.

Addressing the FDI Conclave titled ‘UP-Emerging Destination for Foreign Investment in India’ organised in the main Hangar of Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Goyal pointed out: “However, this year will be the most significant year filled with achievements in the history of Uttar Pradesh. The whole world is talking about UP and Lucknow today. Uttar Pradesh has experienced massive change under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of CM Yogi. Uttar Pradesh is unstoppable now.”

The Union minister said today is the World Day of Social Justice, but it remains incomplete until development reaches every section and individual. He remarked further: “For any investor to come forward to invest, trust in leadership of the state, governance and a secure future is a must. At the same time, the trust of investors in leadership strengthens 25 crore people’s confidence in their bright future.”

Goyal asserted that while PM Modi’s leadership has instilled confidence into 140 crore people of the country, under CM Adityanath’s leadership, every individual of UP was performing their duties with confidence. “Good governance is clearly visible in UP. The central and state governments are working together as a double engine for the welfare of the poor and development of new infrastructure at a rapid pace”, he stated.

He said as the whole world looked towards India, hoping that it would play a vital role in enhancing the global economy, the country looked towards Uttar Pradesh for contributing towards advancing the country’s economy.

He said investments take place only when the investors are assured of good law and order, strong economy and good facilities — all of which are present in UP. He added, “Prior to 2017, things were in complete disarray in UP. Law and order was poor while politics of discrimination prevailed in the state and the economy was weak, leading to minimal investment. Sugar mills were shut down and the condition of farmers was miserable. There was also no growth in infrastructure while railway projects were stalled, and the facilities like inland waterways, multi-level transport, and airports were in terrible shape.”

The Union Minister mentioned that even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the state took care of its people and did not allow infrastructure projects to stop, turning challenges into opportunities. “Presently, six expressways connect every corner of UP. The state also launched a fight against pollution by encouraging production and use of renewable energy”, he said.

He further said that Uttar Pradesh has taken significant steps towards inclusive and sustainable growth. ”Due to this, investors from India and abroad are expanding their operations in Uttar Pradesh on a large scale. Projects are being implemented in all 75 districts of the state and no region, whether it is Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Madhyanchal, or Paschimanchal, has been left untouched by investment. Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a preferred investment destination globally. Today,” he stressed.

India offers ‘democracy, demography, and diversity, he stated.

Goyal expressed confidence that India will continue to grow as the world’s fastest-growing large economy for the next 30 years. ”It is expected to add another USD 30 trillion to India’s national economy. Uttar Pradesh will be at the forefront of this growth,” Goyal said.