In a significant development for Uttar Pradesh’s economic landscape, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath virtually laid the foundation stone for an Ikea store in Noida on September 9, 2024. Speaking from Lucknow, the Chief Minister emphasized the state’s rise as a top investment destination over the past seven and a half years. According to the official statement, Ikea’s entry into Noida is a testament to the growing confidence of both domestic and international investors in the state.
Addressing the virtual gathering, Adityanath highlighted that Uttar Pradesh has embarked on a new era of accelerated economic growth, becoming a preferred hub for businesses. “Since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has been actively fostering infrastructure development, new investment opportunities, skill development, and the promotion of traditional products,” he said, adding that these efforts have begun yielding visible results.
One of the key initiatives that the Chief Minister spotlighted was the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. Launched to promote indigenous products from each district, this scheme has become a pioneering initiative across the country. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh has consistently been ranked among the top states for ease of doing business, further enhanced by its improved law and order situation.
“Uttar Pradesh, with its population being the largest in India, currently contributes 9.2% to the nation’s economy,” Adityanath noted. He further elaborated that the state has now emerged as the second-largest economy in the country. This, he explained, positions Uttar Pradesh as a key driver of India’s overall development.
The Chief Minister also reflected on the state’s Industrial Development Policy, introduced in 2017. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for guiding the state’s policies by linking investments with job creation. Ikea’s Noida store is a direct result of this forward-thinking approach.
Adityanath also spoke about the state’s success in reducing unemployment over the past several years. He noted that the sectoral policies covering 27 industries have played a major role in contributing to the state’s growth. “Through this comprehensive policy, Uttar Pradesh is playing an active role in driving national development,” he added.
Further showcasing the state’s infrastructure progress, the Chief Minister pointed out that by the end of 2024, the areas of Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Authority will be seamlessly connected by public transport. Additionally, the much-anticipated Noida International Airport, the largest in India, is set to become operational, which will further boost regional and international connectivity.
“Uttar Pradesh offers immense potential, not just to India, but to the global community,” Adityanath remarked, as he outlined the state’s ambitions for global partnerships and trade.
The virtual ceremony also saw the presence of several dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Sweden to India, Jan Thesleff, and Ikea India CEO Susanne Pulverer. UP’s Industry Minister Nand Gopal Gupta and MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan, along with Chief Secretary Manoj Singh, were also part of the event, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
As Ikea sets its sights on expanding its presence in India, the new store in Noida will further cement Uttar Pradesh’s position as a key destination for global retail giants, marking another milestone in the state’s ongoing journey towards economic leadership.
