State Policies Driving Growth in Investment and Exports: Chief Secretary Shri Jain

Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain stated that the state’s policies are accelerating investment, innovation and exports, rapidly advancing Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted continuous improvements in industrial areas, logistics,export-supporting infrastructure and international cooperation, establishing Madhya Pradesh as a rising development hub in India. The state has introduced 18 new policies for industrial growth and an investor-friendly environment, earning the status of a top achiever. Madhya Pradesh provides support to investors through ‘Ease of Doing Business’, ‘Single-window Systems’ and governance. Special efforts will be made to increase investment through person-to-person interaction with ASEAN countries.

At the ASEAN–Madhya Pradesh Trade, Investment Dialogue and Export Promotion Seminar 2025, held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Hall, significant discussions were held on strengthening trade and investment with ASEAN countries. Ambassadors from 11 ASEAN nations, senior Government officials of India and industry representatives participated in the event.  Malaysia’s High Commissioner to India and ASEAN Chair, Shri Dato Mujffar Shah Mustafa, along with Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Prashant Agarwal, also shared their perspectives.

Secretary of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Shri Raghvendra Kumar Singh, presented Madhya Pradesh’s industrial strengths, trade opportunities, and avenues of cooperation with ASEAN. He described Madhya Pradesh as India’s second-largest state with vast geography, rich mineral resources, good governance and industry-supportive policies. The state has eight airports, five industrial corridors, an abundant power supply, and a 1,000 MCM industrial water provision, making it a natural choice for industries. The state offers a large market of around 90 million consumers, making it an accessible hub for ASEAN countries in central India. Shri Singh mentioned Madhya Pradesh’s total export to ASEAN countries is $566 million, with Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia having the largest share. Key export categories include pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, metal-based goods, textiles, agro-food processing, and engineering products. The state’s industrial structure aligns well with ASEAN market needs, featuring projects like Morena’s footwear cluster, Ujjain’s medical device park, Dhar’s PM Mitra textile park, multimodal logistic park, plastic parks in Raisen and Gwalior, and renewable energy equipment manufacturing in Narmadapuram, providing a strong base for ASEAN companies in production and export.

Shri Singh informed that Madhya Pradesh provides up to 40% capital subsidy, 50% assistance for the development of private industrial areas, 100% exemption in stamp duty, along with logistics support for exports, R&D incentives, and subsidies for industrial accommodation. He stated that production costs in Madhya Pradesh are naturally lower and the state consistently figures among the top performers in Ease of Doing Business. The state enables business startups within 30 days, provides GIS-based land allotments, and facilitates direct benefit transfer. Madhya Pradesh is rapidly enhancing collaboration with ASEAN in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, engineering, textiles, and MSME products, further strengthening its position as a reliable partner.

ASEAN member-state ambassadors from Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam expressed interest in enhancing cooperation with Madhya Pradesh in agriculture and food processing, tourism, renewable energy, education, health, and locally relevant industries. This organised dialogue at the state level with ASEAN representatives is a first and a significant opportunity for Madhya Pradesh.

Indian industries and exporters shared suggestions on Madhya Pradesh’s key export products, ASEAN market opportunities, improving logistics, and facilitating trade. Suggestions from exporters, financial institutions, and transport services focused on strengthening logistics, simplifying transport by rail and air, expanding cold-chain facilities, expediting payments and increasing quality testing labs. Digital help centres and single-window systems were praised for easing exporters’ processes.

MPIDC Managing Director Shri Chandramouli Shukla stated that joint action plans will be formulated in coordination with ASEAN missions, industry bodies, and export organisations to unlock new avenues of trade and investment. Suggestions will be integrated into the state’s new export policy and Vision 2035.

The event also showcased the state’s textile, craft, and culinary skills, including Chanderi-Maheshwari weaving, zari-zardozi work, metal crafts, Gond art, and millet-based foods, which ASEAN representatives highly appreciated as Madhya Pradesh’s strengths.

This event is a major initiative strengthening Madhya Pradesh as a strong trade and cultural partner for Southeast Asian countries. The state displayed its industrial development, innovation, ecosystem readiness, and tourism potential during the event.