Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held high-level meetings with Indian diplomats and the president of the Arab Parliament on the first day of his four-day visit to Dubai, an ANI report said. He engaged with Ambassador Deepak Mittal, Consul General E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy and Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, extending invitations for the Global Investors Summit 2027 while discussing cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism and education. Al Yamahi assured his attendance at the event and Yadav also sent invitation letters to representatives of 22 Arab countries, according to the Madhya Pradesh government. The chief minister framed the visit as an opportunity to position the state as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment and long-term economic partnerships.
The chief minister inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the state’s One District One Product and Geographical Indication tagged handicrafts at the Taj Dubai in Business Bay. Items on display include Betul’s bell metal craft, Chanderi sarees from Ashoknagar, Maheshwari sarees from Khargone, Ujjain batik prints, Bhopal zari-zardozi work and Gwalior carpets. The seven-day exhibition seeks to introduce Madhya Pradesh’s rich artisan traditions to global audiences and boost exports of these unique products, the Madhya Pradesh government stated in an update. A concurrent state horticulture department drive has secured GI recognition for 12 additional agricultural items including the Indori Malwi potato.[[1]](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/indori-malwi-potato-gets-gi-tag-along-with-11-other-regional-crops/articleshow/131919777.cms)
Yadav pitched investment opportunities in food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, logistics and urban infrastructure to Arab business leaders during a luncheon engagement. He told reporters that Madhya Pradesh exported goods worth Rs 76,000 crore in the previous fiscal year, underscoring the state’s growing economic footprint. Federation of Indian Export Organisations data places Madhya Pradesh’s merchandise exports at approximately 7.8 billion US dollars in 2025-26, ranking the state 13th nationally.[[2]](https://fieo.org/view_section.php?lang=0&id=0,2111,3093)
The outreach aligns with the state’s participation in the AIM Congress 2026, running from September 7 to 9, where the Madhya Pradesh pavilion will highlight industrial policies and available land for investment. Yadav attended a Tycoons Dinner hosted by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and sought connections with sovereign wealth funds as well as leading corporate groups. The delegation will use the platform to present sector-specific incentives in advanced manufacturing, textiles and export-oriented units.
The Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal attracted proposals worth Rs 30.77 lakh crore that are expected to generate significant employment, according to state government statements.[[3]](https://www.hindustantimes.com/genesis/gis-2025-concludes-in-with-investments-worth-rs-30-77-lakh-crore-secured-for-madhya-pradesh-101740749455825.html) Preparations for the 2027 edition are now underway with targeted international roadshows like the current Dubai visit to convert commitments into actual projects on the ground. The chief minister has emphasised transparent governance and simplified procedures as key attractions for overseas partners.
Under the national One District One Product programme, Madhya Pradesh has identified unique products from each of its districts, many of which have received GI tags to enhance their marketability, a central government overview noted. These efforts complement the exhibition by promoting local crafts and produce on international platforms while supporting artisan livelihoods and regional economic balance. The exhibition and related engagements are expected to open new export channels for the featured handicrafts.
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