Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Monday showcased his state’s economic strengths and investment opportunities at a special session of the ‘Invest in Madhya Pradesh Business Forum’ in Dubai.
Addressing an audience of prominent industrialists, Dr. Yadav highlighted India’s transformative growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called upon investors to partner in Madhya Pradesh’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.
“Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is committed to uplifting even the poorest citizens of India. The transformative progress of India under his leadership over the past 11 years is evident through historic decisions,” Dr. Yadav said during his address.
He emphasized that Madhya Pradesh is fully aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision and is offering both policy-based and additional incentives to attract investments across sectors.
Dr. Yadav invited Dubai-based entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in tourism, textiles, MSMEs, and agriculture, adding that the state is open to investment from all sectors.
“Entrepreneurship is not about hoarding wealth but about reinvesting it to expand business, which leads to exponential growth,” he noted.
He praised Indian-origin industrialists in Dubai for their business acumen and appreciated the Texmas model of textile development in the UAE, saying efforts will be made to replicate similar success in Madhya Pradesh.
Empowering the Poor through Commerce
Dr. Yadav stressed that empowering the poor requires a deep understanding of commerce. Citing Prime Minister Modi’s reforms, he said, “PM Modi has taken consistent steps in this direction, including eliminating 90% of customs duties under CEPA.”
He added that Dubai serves as a gateway to the world and that Madhya Pradesh intends to strengthen ties in areas such as food supply chains, renewables, and technology.
Highlighting India’s economic progress, the Chief Minister said, “India’s economy, once ranked 11th, is now on its way to becoming the third-largest.” He cited developments such as Vande Bharat trains, the Ahmedabad–Mumbai bullet train, and the Tata Group’s role in aviation as evidence of the country’s infrastructure transformation.
Acknowledging India’s Global Rise
Dr. Yadav also praised the Prime Minister for returning India’s gold reserves from abroad and increasing the country’s global stature. Recalling India’s message of peace and resilience, he said that “while India promotes the message of ‘Live and Let Live’, its fight is not with any nation but with terrorism.”
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he emphasized India’s strategic capacity to neutralize threats at their roots.
Boosting Agriculture and Food Processing
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to farmer welfare, CM Yadav said efforts are underway to ensure fair prices for crops like wheat and to link Madhya Pradesh’s produce with better-paying markets.
“The state also has an abundance of skilled labour,” he added, pointing to the growing interest from international investors in agriculture and food processing sectors.
Presentations from Top Officials
Accompanying officials gave comprehensive overviews of Madhya Pradesh’s strengths:
- Shri Sanjay Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary, Science and Technology, highlighted the state’s emergence as a technology and innovation hub, especially in startups, drones, SpaceTech, AI, and e-governance, supported by over 18 sector-specific policies.
- Shri Shivshekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, described Madhya Pradesh as the “Heart of India”, known for its heritage sites, tiger reserves, and spiritual destinations. He pointed to the success of the Mahakal Lok and the state’s emergence as a film tourism destination.
- Shri Raghvendra Singh, Principal Secretary, Industrial Policy & Investment Promotion, said the state has conducted over 700 investor meetings and received ₹30.7 lakh crore worth of investment proposals through five international roadshows. “Once someone visits Madhya Pradesh, they become a part of it,” he said.
India-UAE Synergy
Shri Satish Sivan, Consul General of India in UAE, said PM Modi’s 2015 Dubai visit laid the foundation for a shared prosperity vision. “The CEPA signed in 2022 created an institutional framework to boost trade between the two nations,” he said, noting the vast potential for Madhya Pradesh in textiles, renewable energy, wellness, and startups.
Shri Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General, Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), said the Chief Minister’s visit will cement long-term India-UAE partnerships. The IBPC, active since 2003, continues to help Indian companies establish themselves in the UAE.
Dr. Sudam Khade, Secretary and Commissioner, Public Relations Department, expressed gratitude on behalf of the delegation.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
CM Yadav concluded that Madhya Pradesh is working with a long-term vision to benefit every citizen. “The state’s doors are open to all,” he said, reaffirming the commitment of both central and state governments to transform lives, empower farmers, support investors, and position Madhya Pradesh as a pivotal contributor to India’s growth story.