NOTTS can reclaim its position as a leading centre for manufacturing and jobs, it is claimed.
Mark Spencer, whose Sherwood constituency includes Hucknall, was speaking after a Westminster debate about manufacturing in the region.
He said: "It's all too easy to talk something down, so we need to talk ourselves up.
"We need to send out a message to businesses saying if you are looking at expanding or relocating, look at the East Midlands because there's the infrastructure and ability here."
One of the main focal points of the debate was how badly the East Midlands has fared when it comes to allocation of Regional Growth Fund money, a £2.6 billion Government pot that invests in companies to create jobs.
Mr Spencer said he and fellow MPs could do more to help, adding: "We need to ensure that people know we are there and know what we can offer, and I hope this debate will contribute to that knowledge."
Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood also raised concerns about the Regional Growth Fund allocations during the debate.
She said: "In the first two rounds of the Regional Growth Fund, the East Midlands received just four per cent of the total funding available, the lowest share of any region.
"In round three, the East Midlands again received the lowest share of funding."
Both Mr Spencer and Ms Greenwood said there was a lot to be proud of in the area.
Mr Spencer said: "We are at the cutting edge of what is possible in manufacturing. It is easy to focus on the big boys, but small family businesses are driving the economy. They are starting to expand and take on new staff, and they will move us forward as a region so that we are seen on the map."
Ms Greenwood added: "During the 19th century, world-famous names were founded in the city, some of which have been mentioned already, including Boots the Chemist, the Raleigh bicycle company, and John Player and Sons.
"The Nottingham Growth Plan, published in 2012, aims to reconnect the city with its proud history and create a manufacturing renaissance, rebuilding our international reputation as a place that designs and makes things.
"Some of the elements needed for that renaissance are already in place."
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Michael Fallon said: "The regional growth fund is distributed not by ministerial allocation, but by competition.
"The fund is already helping to rebalance the economy, particularly by assisting areas that have been over-dependent on the public sector."
