Ahmedabad: Gujarat has emerged as the country’s most preferred investment destination after securing the top position in the NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Thursday.
Addressing the installation ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Patel highlighted Gujarat’s strong industrial growth, rising investor confidence and growing presence in future-ready sectors.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the state’s strong Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) performance, noting that Gujarat attracted cumulative FDI of USD 73.9 billion between April 2020 and December 2025.
Gujarat Ranks First in NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat’s top ranking in the NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026 reflects the state’s growing appeal among domestic and global investors.
He highlighted Gujarat’s long-standing tradition of trade and entrepreneurship and said the state has evolved into a global hub bringing together:
- Innovation
- Industry
- Trade
- Technology
- Tradition
According to Patel, the state’s strong industrial ecosystem and investor-friendly environment have helped strengthen its position as a leading investment destination in India.
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Gujarat Attracts USD 73.9 Billion in FDI
Highlighting Gujarat’s economic performance, the Chief Minister said the state attracted cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of USD 73.9 billion between April 2020 and December 2025.
He said the strong FDI inflows demonstrate the increasing confidence of global investors in Gujarat’s business environment and industrial potential.
The state is also expanding its presence in emerging industries and technologies, positioning itself to attract further investments in sectors that are expected to drive future economic growth.
Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026 to Boost Investment and MSMEs
Speaking about the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026, Patel described the policy as a roadmap for transforming the state into a global industrial powerhouse.
He highlighted that the new policy includes provisions for incentive disbursement for the first time and provides special support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Chief Minister urged entrepreneurs and industrialists to study the new policy and take full advantage of the incentives and support available under it.
The policy is expected to strengthen Gujarat’s industrial ecosystem while encouraging new investments and supporting the growth of MSMEs.
Gujarat Focuses on Semiconductors, AI and Data Centres
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat is rapidly emerging as a leader in future-ready sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres.
He highlighted the development of:
- Semiconductor manufacturing plants.
- An AI centre in GIFT City.
- World-class data centre infrastructure.
According to Patel, these developments are helping Gujarat prepare for the industries of the future and strengthen its position in advanced technology and digital infrastructure.
CM Highlights India’s Recent Technology Milestones
The Chief Minister also praised India’s progress in indigenous technology and innovation.
He referred to two recent milestones:
- The country’s first hydrogen-powered train.
- The launch of the Vikram-1 rocket by an Indian private space startup.
Patel said such achievements demonstrate India’s growing capabilities in technology and innovation and are strengthening the country’s image on the global stage.
CM Bhupendra Patel Calls for ‘Make in Gujarat, Make for the World’
Reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting businesses and industries, Patel called upon entrepreneurs to contribute towards building a USD 5 trillion economy and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
He urged industry leaders to work in partnership with the government under the vision of “Make in Gujarat, Make for the World.”
The Chief Minister said Gujarat’s industrial community has an important role to play in strengthening India’s economic growth and making the state a global manufacturing and investment hub.
New GCCI Leadership Outlines Future Roadmap
The ceremony also marked the installation of the newly elected office-bearers of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel congratulated the new GCCI leadership, which was elected unopposed. He said the unanimous election reflected the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
Patel also praised outgoing GCCI President Sandeep Engineer and his team for their contributions during their tenure.
Newly elected GCCI President Rajesh Gandhi outlined the chamber’s future roadmap and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and industry stakeholders for the overall development of trade and industry in Gujarat.
Dignitaries and Industry Leaders Attend GCCI Ceremony
The event was attended by several public representatives, government officials, industry leaders and members of the business community.
Those present included:
- Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot
- MLA Amit Thaker
- ADC Bank Chairman Ajay Patel
- Former GCCI Senior Vice-President Jigish Doshi
- Vice-Presidents Hiten Vasant, Sudhanshu Mehta, Gaurang Bhagat and Hitendrasinh Jadeja
- Additional Chief Secretary Mamta Verma
The ceremony was also attended by industrialists, traders, GCCI members and prominent personalities from various sectors.
