Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Launches India Industrial Fair-2026; Focus on Semiconductors, IT, Pharma, Textiles and Green Energy
Raipur. With more than 300 MSME entrepreneurs from across the country participating in the three-day India Industrial Fair-2026, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday said Chhattisgarh is positioning itself as a new destination for future industries, with a growing focus on semiconductors, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles and green energy. Shri Sai inaugurated the 14th edition of the industrial fair, organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati at the Science College Ground in Raipur. Welcoming entrepreneurs, investors and industrial representatives, he invited them to explore the State’s investment opportunities and become partners in its development journey.
The fair, being held from September 18 to 20, brings together more than 300 MSME entrepreneurs from across India. Laghu Udyog Bharati has entrepreneurs associated with it across more than 750 districts, while in Chhattisgarh more than 1,200 small and medium enterprises across 25 districts are associated with the organisation. Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh’s mineral and energy reserves, forest wealth, human resources and central geographical location provide a strong foundation for industrial growth. The State Government is combining these strengths with modern technology, infrastructure and investor-friendly policies to diversify the industrial base beyond traditional sectors such as coal, steel and cement.
“Government’s role is not merely that of a regulator. We are working as a partner and accelerator for industry and investment,” Shri Sai said. He added that the government is working to ensure a simple, transparent and time-bound process from the submission of an investment proposal to the establishment of a project on the ground.
New Industrial Policy Drives Investment
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Industrial Development Policy 2024-30, formulated after consultations with industry, investors and other stakeholders, focuses on simplifying procedures, attracting investment, promoting emerging sectors and creating employment for local youth.
The policy has generated a large number of investment proposals, with several projects now moving into implementation. Chhattisgarh is also actively pursuing sectors linked to the future economy. Work has begun on a semiconductor project involving around Rs 1,100 crore, while efforts are underway to develop Nava Raipur as a modern technology hub and establish technology and industry excellence hubs.
The State Government is also strengthening its single-window system and focusing on timely availability of land, infrastructure and other facilities so that investors can devote their resources to production, innovation, expansion and job creation.
Vishnu Deo Sai said that local value addition would remain central to the State’s industrial strategy. Chhattisgarh has abundant deposits of coal, iron ore, bauxite and other minerals, while more than 44 per cent of its geographical area is forested. Resources such as tamarind, mahua, chironji, harra and bahera, along with medicinal resources, offer opportunities for scientific processing and value addition, particularly in forest areas. The State’s energy sector is another major strength, with around 30,000 MW of power generation capacity. New investment proposals are being received and capacity is being expanded, he said. Chief Minister emphasised that industrial development must translate into opportunities for local youth. The new policy provides special incentives for industries generating higher employment for local residents, while MSMEs and startups can help young people become job creators through skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tourism, Too, Offers Investment Opportunities
Vishnu Deo Sai said that Chhattisgarh’s investment potential extends beyond manufacturing and emerging industries to tourism. Bastar’s waterfalls, forests, natural landscapes and distinctive tribal culture offer significant opportunities for tourism-led employment and local economic development. Homestay initiatives are helping connect tourism with local livelihoods. The Chief Minister urged participating entrepreneurs to explore Chhattisgarh’s tourism and pilgrimage destinations and consider the State’s wider investment potential.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao described the 14th edition of the fair as an important milestone in Chhattisgarh’s industrial development journey. He said the event would enable entrepreneurs to exchange products, technologies, innovations and experiences while exploring new business opportunities and employment potential.
Industry Minister Lakhhan Lal Dewangan said that the new industrial policy has helped create an enabling environment for investment, with proposals increasingly taking shape as projects on the ground. The government is also working to promote small industries, resolve entrepreneurs’ concerns and attract investments through sector-specific dialogue and workshops.
Laghu Udyog Bharati Prakash Chandra Gupta said the organisation has worked for the past 32 years to organise micro and small industries and take their concerns to the Central and State governments. He said that the fair provides entrepreneurs a common platform to showcase products, build business networks, share innovations and explore emerging opportunities.
CM Reviews Industrial Innovations
Vishnu Deo Sai visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with entrepreneurs about their products, technologies and innovations. The exhibition features traditional Ayurvedic medicines and treatment systems, modern machinery, IT solutions and technology-based industrial products. He also discussed business activities, new technologies and investment opportunities with industrial representatives and appreciated Laghu Udyog Bharati’s efforts in bringing entrepreneurs from across the country together.
Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is entering a new phase of industrial development and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for micro, small, medium and large industries. He invited entrepreneurs to invest in the State and participate in building a developed Chhattisgarh.
On the occasion, Chief Minister’s Advisor R. Krishna Das, Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Rajiv Agrawal, Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency Chairman Bhupendra Savanni, office-bearers of Laghu Udyog Bharati, and entrepreneurs and industrial representatives from across the country were present.
