MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan 2026 in Varanasi on March 31 to Forge a New Model of Inter-State Cooperation: How Investment, Exports, ODOP, Crafts, and Tourism Will Gain New Momentum?
Bhopal: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Government of Madhya Pradesh will undertake a decisive initiative to steer inter-state cooperation toward a solid, result-oriented, and globally-oriented trajectory through the "MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan (Cooperation Summit) 2026," scheduled to be held in Varanasi on March 31, 2026.
In addition to fostering detailed dialogue on critical subjects, this summit will work toward creating a comprehensive economic ecosystem by integrating key sectors such as ODOP (One District One Product), GI-tagged goods, traditional crafts, exportable products, investment, and tourism.
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav's active presence will elevate this event beyond mere policy formulation, transforming it into a platform for implementation-based cooperation—thereby fostering a robust and sustainable model of development for both states.
Study Tour to Foster a Vision for Modern Pilgrimage Management
The program will commence with a study tour of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, led by CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, where a detailed observation of crowd flow design, infrastructure layout, and pilgrim management systems will be conducted.
This visit will serve as more than just a routine inspection; it will provide an invaluable opportunity to understand successful models of modern urban planning and pilgrimage site management. Drawing upon this experience, a practical approach will be formulated for the development of religious sites, the expansion of amenities, and systemic improvements within Madhya Pradesh, thereby making pilgrimage tourism more organized and appealing.
ODOP, GI-Tagged, and Exportable Products to Gain Global Platform
The summit will place a special emphasis on linking ODOP initiatives, GI-tagged products, traditional crafts, and agri-food products with effective branding, marketing, and export strategies. A presentation highlighting the experiences and economic impact of Uttar Pradesh's ODOP initiative will clearly demonstrate how local products can be rendered competitive within the global market.
During the conference, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) will be signed between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, thereby formalizing partnerships across the sectors of trade cooperation, industrial investment, skill development, handicrafts promotion, and tourism. Through the exchange of ODOP (One District One Product) items, concrete initiatives will be undertaken to introduce local products to new markets and enhance their brand value.
A Shared Dialogue Platform for Industry, Policymakers, and Artisans
This conference will provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform for the industrial sector, investors, artisans, agricultural and food producers, and policymakers to engage in in-depth discussions regarding policy incentives, infrastructure development, logistical support, and investment opportunities. The participation of diverse sectors—such as textiles and apparel, handicrafts, MSMEs, food processing, logistics, and tourism—will lend a multi-dimensional character to this event.
Exhibition to Showcase State’s Industrial and Cultural Prowess
The exhibition organized as part of the conference will present a consolidated showcase of Madhya Pradesh’s ODOP products, GI-tagged handicrafts, traditional textiles, investment potential, industrial capabilities, and key tourist destinations.
This exhibition will serve as more than just a display medium. Through this initiative, the economic and cultural diversity of Madhya Pradesh will be presented in a cohesive and impactful manner.
Advance the concepts of shared branding, market expansion
During a joint artisans' workshop, craftsmen from Chanderi and Maheshwar will collaborate with Banarasi silk artisans to advance the concepts of shared branding, market expansion, and the "Ganga-Narmada Craft Corridor." This initiative marks a significant step toward adapting traditional crafts to meet modern market demands and providing artisans with direct access to markets. This will not only lend a new identity to handicrafts but also strengthen the income and livelihood opportunities available to the artisans.
Kashi-Ujjain-Chitrakoot Circuit to Give New Momentum to Religious Tourism
During the Tourism Round Table, detailed deliberations will be held regarding the development of the Kashi-Ujjain-Chitrakoot religious tourism circuit as a joint tourism product. This initiative will emphasize the development of a structured and coordinated tourism model through the participation of key stakeholders, such as tour operators and the IRCTC. This approach will render religious tourism more organized, accessible, and appealing, thereby leading to an increase in both the volume of tourists and their average duration of stay across both states.
A Decisive Initiative Towards Investment, Exports, and Balanced Development
This conference will present a robust model for regional development—one that strikes a balance between attracting investment, promoting exports, generating employment, and preserving cultural heritage. Through the "MP-UP Cooperation Conference 2026," the collaboration between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will acquire a sustainable, practical, and results-oriented framework, thereby infusing new momentum into the economies of both states.