In a bold move to position itself as India’s next global manufacturing hub, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched an aggressive international outreach campaign aligned with the “China Plus One” strategy. With mounting global trade tensions and rising tariffs on Chinese exports, UP is leveraging the moment to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) across sectors like electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, textiles, and sustainable aviation fuel.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Invest UP, the state’s nodal investment agency, which has crafted a multi-tiered strategy to engage global investors through roadshows, policy reforms, and infrastructure upgrades. The campaign is part of a larger goal to transform Uttar Pradesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2029.
🧭 Key Highlights of UP’s China Plus One Investment Strategy
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| International Roadshows | Scheduled in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Qatar, and Canada (Sep–Oct 2025) |
| Domestic Roadshows | To be held across major Indian cities (Dec 2025–Jan 2026) |
| Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC-5) | November 2025, targeting ₹5–10 lakh crore in new investments |
| Global Investors Summit (GIS) | February 2026, next edition of UP’s flagship investment event |
| Sectoral Focus | Electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, toys, textiles, aviation fuel |
| Policy Push | New GCC, Footwear & Leather, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and Private Investment Promotion policies |
The outreach plan is designed to reduce global dependence on China by offering UP as a competitive alternative with lower tariffs, streamlined land acquisition, and robust connectivity.
📊 Investment Progress Through Previous GBCs
| GBC Edition | Projects Implemented | Value (₹ Lakh Crore) | Projects Operational | Value Operational (₹ Lakh Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBC-1 to GBC-4 | 16,478 | ₹12.10 | 8,363 | ₹4.33 |
| Nearing Rollout | 8,115 | ₹7.76 | — | — |
The fifth Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC-5) is expected to be the largest yet, with an initial target of ₹5 lakh crore that could rise to ₹10 lakh crore as the event nears.
🔍 Why Global Investors Are Looking at UP
Uttar Pradesh’s strategic location, improved ease of doing business, and proactive governance have made it a top contender for global capital. The state offers:
- Competitive tariff structure (max 12%) compared to China’s 25–100% under US sanctions
- Geo-mapped land availability and digital plot viewing
- Dedicated officers engaging 371 Chinese companies seeking relocation
- Sector-specific incentives under the Quick Investment Promotion Scheme
- Conversion support for MSMEs to scale into large enterprises
| Advantage Area | UP’s Offering | Global Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff Relief | Lower import/export duties | Cost-effective manufacturing |
| Infrastructure | Expressways, airports, industrial parks | Seamless logistics |
| Policy Incentives | Expansion exemptions, fast-track approvals | Business-friendly environment |
| Skilled Workforce | Large talent pool across sectors | Scalable operations |
| Political Stability | Strong governance under CM Yogi Adityanath | Long-term investment confidence |
The state’s ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy is anchored in industrial development and global partnerships.
📉 Sectoral Focus and Emerging Policies
Invest UP has identified several high-growth sectors and is rolling out targeted policies to attract investment:
| Sector | Policy Status | Investment Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Global Capability Centres (GCC) | Policy Notified | IT, BPO, R&D hubs |
| Footwear & Leather | Policy to be announced soon | Export-oriented clusters |
| Sustainable Aviation Fuel | Draft prepared | Green energy and logistics |
| Private Investment Promotion | Draft prepared | Cross-sector investment facilitation |
Each policy includes incentives such as tax breaks, infrastructure support, and simplified compliance frameworks.
🔥 International Roadshow Calendar (Sep–Oct 2025)
| Country | Focus Sector(s) | Strategic Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Electronics, fintech | ASEAN gateway |
| Japan | Semiconductors, robotics | High-tech collaboration |
| South Korea | Automotive, display tech | Supply chain diversification |
| UAE | Aviation fuel, logistics | West Asia trade corridor |
| Qatar | Infrastructure, energy | Sovereign fund engagement |
| Canada | Medical devices, AI | North American market access |
These roadshows will feature investor roundtables, policy presentations, and one-on-one meetings with decision-makers.
🧠 Expert Opinions on UP’s Global Investment Push
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Trade Economist | “UP’s China Plus One strategy is timely and well-structured.” |
| Prof. Meera Iyer | Policy Analyst | “The state is aligning global trends with local strengths.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | FDI Consultant | “Roadshows and sectoral policies will be key to conversion.” |
Experts agree that UP’s proactive approach and policy clarity are likely to yield substantial investment inflows.
📌 Conclusion
Uttar Pradesh’s China Plus One strategy is more than a slogan—it’s a comprehensive roadmap to attract global capital, reduce dependency on China, and position the state as a manufacturing and innovation powerhouse. With international roadshows, sector-specific policies, and a ₹10 lakh crore investment target ahead of GIS 2026, UP is making a compelling case to global investors.
As geopolitical shifts reshape global supply chains, UP’s timing and execution could make it one of India’s most successful investment destinations in the coming decade.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of September 1, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, policy, or legal advice.
