UP Government Unveils UPNVA Export Growth Campaign for MSMEs

In a decisive step towards economic growth and MSME empowerment, the Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the Uttar Pradesh Export Growth Campaign (UPNVA) recently in Moradabad. Spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh Small Industries Corporation (UPSIC) and the India SME Forum, this campaign underscores the state’s proactive stance in boosting the global competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Policy Focus: Exports and MSMEs as Twin Engines of Growth

At the event, Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary for MSME, highlighted the crucial role MSMEs and exports play in economic transformation. “The model of rapid development in several countries has been anchored on two critical pillars — export-led growth and an empowered MSME sector. Uttar Pradesh is aligning its vision with this proven formula,” Kumar remarked.

The Principal Secretary reiterated that the state government has placed unprecedented priority on building a dynamic MSME ecosystem that can thrive in global markets.

UPSIC's Strategic Role and the MSME 1-Connect Portal

Raj Kamal Yadav, Managing Director of UPSIC, detailed the organisation’s roadmap for entrepreneurial empowerment. He showcased the UP MSME 1-Connect portal — a digital, all-in-one solution offering expert guidance, sector-specific consultancy, project report templates, an incentive calculator, and a dedicated helpline (155343).

This portal is envisioned as a single-window enabler for MSMEs to scale up their export journey seamlessly.

45% of UP’s Exports Driven by MSMEs: India SME Forum

Vinod Kumar, President of the India SME Forum, emphasized the critical contribution of MSMEs to Uttar Pradesh’s export economy. “Nearly 45% of the state’s total exports are led by MSMEs. With the rise of D2C and e-commerce-based exports, UP's MSMEs now have immense opportunities to shine globally,” he stated.

He further stressed the importance of enabling digital literacy, packaging, branding, and global buyer connectivity for small businesses.

Campaign to Empower 500 MSMEs under RAMP Scheme

Operating under the central government’s RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) initiative, UPNVA is designed as a historic and structured capacity-building campaign for 500 MSMEs across Uttar Pradesh.

Three-Step Capacity Building Framework:

1. Training & Mentorship: Focused, hands-on training modules and access to personal mentorship for MSME entrepreneurs.

2. Product & Market Readiness: Expert sessions on product innovation, packaging, quality enhancement, and branding aligned with global standards.

3. Global Market Linkages: Assistance in participation in global expos, database access to international buyers, and government scheme facilitation for first-time exporters.

The program also promotes digital adoption through e-commerce training and encourages participation in export-led trade events.

SMEStreet's Perspective

The launch of UPNVA signals a paradigm shift in how regional economies like Uttar Pradesh view MSMEs — not just as domestic contributors but as potential global players. This campaign aligns well with India’s overarching goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, with MSMEs expected to drive a significant share of exports.

Three strategic angles make this initiative particularly impactful:

1. Localized Globalization: UPNVA takes the “think global, act local” mantra seriously by enabling district-level enterprises to go global, especially from export-rich hubs like Moradabad.

2. Digital Leverage: By integrating e-commerce and D2C strategies, the campaign empowers MSMEs to bypass traditional trade bottlenecks and directly reach global consumers.

3. Policy-Backed Execution: The synergy between state implementation (UPSIC), central funding (RAMP), and industry facilitation (India SME Forum) creates a robust, actionable ecosystem — a model that can be replicated across other Indian states.

For MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh, UPNVA is not just a campaign — it's a gateway to global relevance. And for India, it is a microcosm of how focused policy, digital enablement, and grassroots capacity building can shape the next chapter of export-led growth.