Yogi in Tokyo: How UP Became a Global Investment Hub

Uttar Pradesh has transformed into a global investment hub after nine years of policy reforms, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in Tokyo. Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Investment Roadshow, he presented the state as a land of skilled youth, strong infrastructure, and massive market demand. He invited Japanese companies to invest in sectors like renewable energy, semiconductors, logistics, and data centres.

This is his first official visit to Japan. It is part of a two-nation tour focused on deepening economic ties and attracting global investors to Uttar Pradesh. The message was clear. UP is open for business.

What Yogi Told Investors in Tokyo

Addressing business leaders, Yogi Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh has a population of nearly 250 million. That number alone makes it a powerful consumption-driven market. He added that 56 percent of the population is youth and part of the working force. Skilled manpower, he said, is always available across sectors.

He described Uttar Pradesh as the food basket of India. He also claimed the state has the largest water resources in the country. Affordable and quality manpower is available, he repeated, and that matters for industries looking to scale fast.

The tone of his speech was confident. He did not hesitate. He positioned UP not just as a state, but as an economy in itself.

Expressways, Airports and Big Infrastructure Push

Infrastructure was a big highlight of his pitch. Yogi said Uttar Pradesh accounts for 95 percent of India’s expressways. He also mentioned that the state has the largest rail network in the country.

Air connectivity has expanded sharply in the last nine years. Sixteen domestic and four international airports have become operational. The upcoming Noida International Airport, once open, is expected to be India’s largest international airport. That project alone is being watched closely by investors.

He invited Japanese companies to take part in the state’s private industrial park programme. Better roads, better rail, more airports. Investors listen when they hear that.

Meeting with Mitsui & Co

During his Tokyo visit, Yogi met senior leaders of Mitsui & Co, including Managing Officer Kazuki Shimizu. He invited the company to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.

The discussions covered renewable energy, ICT, semiconductors, and data centres. Infrastructure projects and logistics networks were also part of the talks. Yogi said collaboration in these sectors would strengthen growth corridors and improve global supply chain integration.

It was not just a courtesy meeting. It looked like groundwork for serious business.

Economic Growth and Cultural Connect

Yogi Adityanath said the results of policy reforms over the past nine years are visible. Uttar Pradesh, he stated, is among the fastest-growing state economies in India. Industrial expansion has picked up pace. Investment proposals have increased.

He also spoke about culture. Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Lord Ram and a sacred land connected to Lord Buddha. For Japan, where Buddhism holds deep roots, that connection carries meaning. Cultural bonds sometimes open economic doors, even if slowly.

His Japan visit runs from February 25 to 26. Key meetings are scheduled to explore further cooperation. The aim is simple. Bring capital, create jobs, push growth.

The roadshow in Tokyo was more than a presentation. It was a signal. Uttar Pradesh wants a bigger place in the global investment map. Whether Japanese firms respond in large numbers will unfold in the months ahead. For now, the pitch has been made, clearly and directly.