New York: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held one-to-one meetings with prominent global business leaders in New York on August 22, focusing on attracting investments and strengthening partnerships in key next-generation sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), fintech and nuclear energy.
The meetings were held on the fifth day of Patel’s visit to the United States ahead of the Vibrant Summit 2027, scheduled to be held in Gujarat in January 2027.
Gujarat CM Holds Meeting with Kyndryl Global Head
Patel met Xerxes Cooper, Global Head of Delivery at Kyndryl, one of the world’s leading IT infrastructure service providers. The discussions focused on potential cooperation in areas including:
- Artificial intelligence strategies
- Skilling and talent development
- Knowledge-sharing for students and startups
- Mentorship opportunities
According to a press release issued by the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, Cooper expressed interest in collaborating with the Gujarat Government.
Patel highlighted Gujarat’s emergence as a preferred investment destination for next-generation industries, including semiconductors, electronics, digital infrastructure, AI, data centres and advanced manufacturing.
He also described Gujarat as a growth engine and production hub across multiple industries and invited Kyndryl to participate in the Vibrant Summit 2027.
Read also: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Meets World Bank, Walmart in Washington to Boost MSMEs and Global Growth
Patel Discusses GIFT City with BlackRock Executive
The Gujarat Chief Minister also held a meeting with Samara Cohen, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Development at BlackRock, a global asset management and ETF company.
During the meeting, Patel highlighted the opportunities offered by GIFT City, Gujarat’s international financial and fintech hub, established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
The Chief Minister briefed Cohen on GIFT City’s financial ecosystem and highlighted the presence of several US-headquartered fintech companies and banks operating from the centre.
Patel invited BlackRock to explore expanding its services in GIFT City and participate in the upcoming Vibrant Summit.
The discussions also focused on BlackRock’s expertise in areas such as:
- Asset management
- Digital investment platforms
- Risk management
- Infrastructure investment
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Patel emphasised GIFT City’s potential to emerge as a global hub for ETFs and asset management.
Gujarat Explores Nuclear Energy Partnership with Holtec International
Patel also met the CEO of Holtec International, a company founded in South Jersey in 1986 and specialising in fuel storage solutions for nuclear power plants.
Holtec has established a precision fabrication facility in Gujarat to meet the growing demand for air-cooled condensers. The company has also expressed interest in expanding its presence in the state.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the possibility of developing a manufacturing facility for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and establishing a research and development centre in Gujarat.
Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026 Focuses on Nuclear Equipment
During the interaction with Holtec, Patel outlined opportunities available under Gujarat’s Industrial Policy-2026, which identifies nuclear power equipment, including SMRs, as a focus area.
The discussions explored how collaboration with Holtec could contribute to strengthening Gujarat’s nuclear technology, manufacturing and production ecosystem.
The potential partnership is also aligned with Gujarat’s broader efforts to attract investment in advanced and technology-intensive industries.
Gujarat Steps Up Global Investment Outreach Ahead of Vibrant Summit 2027
The meetings in New York form part of Gujarat’s international outreach ahead of the Vibrant Summit 2027.
Through discussions with global companies and investment leaders, the state is seeking to attract investments across emerging sectors while strengthening its position as a destination for advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, financial services and clean energy.
Chief Secretary MK Das and senior secretaries from the Gujarat delegation were also present during the meetings.
