The Gujarat government will host the second edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Kutch and Saurashtra on January 8-9, 2026, in Rajkot. The two-day event aims to highlight emerging economic, industrial, and cultural opportunities in these regions while promoting sustainable growth and investment-friendly policies.
Focus on Key Sectors Driving Regional Growth
VGRC 2026 will focus on crucial sectors such as ceramics, engineering, ports and logistics, fisheries, petrochemicals, agriculture, food processing, minerals, green energy, skill development, start-ups, MSMEs, tourism, and culture. The conference is designed to boost industrial growth through policy support and strategic partnerships, ensuring maximum benefits reach local communities.
Kutch and Saurashtra: Hubs of Industry and Trade
Kutch is emerging as a major industrial and trade hub, powered by strong port connectivity through Kandla and Mundra ports, two of India’s largest. The district attracts investments in petrochemicals, renewable energy (32 GW), logistics, and agro-processing. Morbi, known as the ceramic capital of India, houses over 900 ceramic manufacturing units producing tiles, sanitary ware, and vitrified products for domestic and international markets.
Industrial Strength and Traditional Crafts Across Districts
Jamnagar, India’s Brass City, hosts 15,000 brass-related units and Asia’s largest petroleum refinery operated by Reliance Industries, supporting agro-based industries with mango, guava, and pomegranate production. Rajkot, Gujarat’s third-largest district, leads in machine tools manufacturing and traditional crafts such as Bandhani and Ajrakh, boosting both industry and tourism.
Highlighting Strategic Ports and Eco-Tourism Potential
VGRC 2026 will also showcase Porbandar’s fisheries and mineral-processing sectors, Devbhumi Dwarka’s Tata Chemicals soda ash facility, and Bhavnagar’s Alang ship-breaking yard, the largest in the world. Eco-tourism and agro-processing opportunities in Junagadh and Gir Somnath will be promoted, while Amreli’s Pipavav Port will be highlighted as a key logistics asset. Botad and Surendranagar districts’ industrial and agricultural strengths, including cotton, fennel, and salt production, will also feature prominently.
Driving Inclusive Growth and Local Development
The VGRC aims to create a platform for regional development, attract investments, and foster sustainable growth while ensuring inclusive economic benefits for local communities. By leveraging Kutch and Saurashtra’s industrial, agricultural, and cultural strengths, Gujarat continues to solidify its position as a leading investment and development hub in India.
