Gandhinagar: The Government of Gujarat is set to spotlight the rapidly expanding economic, industrial, and cultural landscape of Kutch and Saurashtra at the 2nd Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC). Scheduled to be held in Rajkot on 8–9 January 2026, the conference aims to position the region as one of India’s most promising hubs for sustainable industrial growth, strategic investments, and cultural development.
The VGRC will bring together policymakers, global investors, industry leaders, and sector experts to explore opportunities across high-growth sectors such as ceramics, engineering, ports and logistics, petrochemicals, fisheries, minerals, agro and food processing, green energy, skill development, MSMEs, tourism, and culture. Senior officials said the event will strengthen strategic partnerships and accelerate investor engagement for the western belt of the state.
Kutch: India’s Strategic Industrial Powerhouse
Kutch—India’s largest district—remains a vital driver of Gujarat’s economy with strong industrial bases, world-class infrastructure, and two of India’s biggest ports, Kandla and Mundra, enhancing its global trade footprint. With thriving petrochemical zones, a 32-GW renewable energy ecosystem, logistics parks, livestock-based rural economies, and growing tourism circuits, Kutch continues to attract large-scale industrial and green energy investments.
Morbi: The Ceramic Capital Powering Global Markets
Morbi will be a major highlight at the conference as the district is globally known as the “Ceramic Capital of India”. Home to over 900 ceramic manufacturing units—including tiles, sanitaryware, and vitrified products—Morbi contributes substantially to India’s exports and domestic market supply chains.
Jamnagar: Brass City and Home to Asia’s Largest Refinery
Jamnagar, known as the “Brass City of India”, houses more than 15,000 brass component manufacturing units and has a flourishing horticulture sector producing pomegranates, guavas, and mangoes. The district also hosts Asia’s largest petroleum refinery operated by Reliance Industries, reinforcing its status as a global energy and industrial hub.
Rajkot: Machine Tools Hub Fueling MSME Growth
Rajkot—Gujarat’s third-largest district—is recognized nationally as a leading machine tools and manufacturing hub. With a strong MSME base, robust supply chains, and entrepreneurial culture, Rajkot also contributes significantly to Gujarat’s textile and crafts sector through its renowned Bandhani and Ajrakh traditions.
Porbandar & Devbhumi Dwarka: Coastal Powerhouses of Trade and Industry
Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is a key centre for fisheries, mineral processing, and handicrafts. It also houses India’s largest caustic soda plant.
In Devbhumi Dwarka, Tata Chemicals’ Mithapur plant is among India’s leading producers of soda ash, while Okha port boosts exports of fish products, minerals, and salt.
Bhavnagar, Botad & Surendranagar: Maritime Strength and Agricultural Excellence
Bhavnagar is globally known for the Alang ship-breaking yard, the world’s largest in terms of capacity. The district leads in onion production, while Botad has witnessed rapid growth in manufacturing and cultural sectors. Surendranagar continues to be a leader in salt, fennel, and cotton production, supported by its heritage weaving clusters such as Bandhani and Tangaliya.
Junagadh & Gir Somnath: Growth Through Ecology and Industry
Junagadh and Gir Somnath combine rich ecological assets—such as Gir National Park and Girnar Hills—with expanding agro-processing and horticulture industries, creating opportunities in agri-business and eco-tourism.
Amreli: Strengthening Gujarat’s Maritime and Agro Economy
Amreli hosts India’s first private-sector port—Pipavav, connecting Gujarat’s industrial and agricultural sectors with global markets. The district is emerging as a growing hub for food processing and cement-based industries.
VGRC 2026: A Platform for Viksit Gujarat–Viksit Bharat Vision
The upcoming Rajkot conference underscores the state government’s commitment to regional industrialization, sectoral collaboration, and investment facilitation. Through sustainable development strategies, skill enhancement, and innovation-driven initiatives, Kutch and Saurashtra are poised to play a central role in achieving the Viksit Gujarat – Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
