UP a big draw at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

A well-designed Uttar Pradesh pavilion has become the centre of attraction of both foreign investors and visitors at the "Trade and Industry Exhibition" being held as part of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2007.

Well-organised panels of different departments such as tourism, education, information technology (IT), health, small scale industries (SSI) and export promotion (EP), have a development-oriented look with salient investment attractions that Uttar Pradesh can offer.

"There is a well-evident trend of outsourcing of global 'research and development' to India and it needs to be actively facilitated in our state as various technological institutes and research centres of global repute are situated in Uttar Pradesh. In view of the improving infrastructure and development there are ample opportunities for 'brain gain' contrary to the 'brain drain' in the state," said Narendra Bhooshan, executive director, Udyog Bandhu, who is also the nodal officer of the newly formed NRI cell.

According to him, "NRIs with business interest will also be provided with proper guidance and information and we will facilitate the outsourcing of globally famous handicrafts industry such as glasswork of Ferozabad, brassware of Moradabad, carpets of Bhadohi, leather products of Kanpur and Agra and Chikan industry of Lucknow so that these industries get a boost and the artisans involved are also benefitted. Interested NRIs/PIOs can also promote export of such products to their respective countries of stay."

Small scale industries and Export promotion bureau panel depicts State's globally renowned artifacts, handicrafts and handlooms heritage. Magic of skilled hands of Uttar Pradesh finds expression in handicraft pieces on display.

The department of SSI and EP has decided to give discount on the purchase of items from 'Gangotri', an outlet of UP handicrafts, to those NRIs and PIOs who visit UP stall.