Vadodara: The Fourth Edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Central Gujarat was inaugurated in Vadodara by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, marking a major step in strengthening Gujarat’s industrial growth, global investment outreach, and regional development strategy. The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, cabinet ministers, senior officials, diplomats, and industry leaders.
The Chief Minister urged investors and industrial leaders to transform discussions into decisions, ideas into projects, and projects into prosperity, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India.
Gujarat Positioned as Global Gateway Through PM Modi’s Vision
CM Bhupendra Patel credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and policy vision for India’s rapid progress across sectors including industry, infrastructure, and economy.
He stated that Gujarat has emerged as a “Global Gateway to the Future” by advancing the idea of balanced regional development through initiatives like VGRC. According to him, the state has successfully promoted “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global” by showcasing district-level industrial strengths.
He also highlighted that Gujarat has evolved into a policy-driven investment destination, offering stability, infrastructure, and ease of doing business.
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VGRC as a Platform for Global Investment and Industrial Growth
The Chief Minister emphasized that VGRC is not just an investment summit but a platform connecting local industries with global opportunities.
Key highlights include:
- Previous VGRC editions generated 9,499 MoUs worth ₹13.30 lakh crore
- Focus on transforming Central Gujarat into a manufacturing and innovation hub
- Coverage of 10 districts including Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur, and Dahod
He called upon industry leaders to help convert MoUs into real industrial projects that generate employment and economic growth.
Central Gujarat: Emerging Industrial Powerhouse
CM Patel described Central Gujarat as the “heart of Gujarat’s development”, contributing significantly to multiple sectors:
- Automobile and auto components
- Pharmaceuticals
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Agri-food processing
- MSME sector
He highlighted key regional strengths:
- Vadodara emerging in petrochemicals, EV equipment, and aerospace (including Tata Airbus C-295 project)
- Anand known globally as the “Milk Capital of India” through Amul
- Kheda developing as a hub for food processing and MSMEs
Central Gujarat currently contributes a major share to Gujarat’s industrial output and exports.
Union Minister Highlights Power and Infrastructure Strength
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar underlined the importance of Gujarat’s strong infrastructure ecosystem, especially in power supply and industrial planning.
Key points:
- India met peak power demand of 271 GW, with capacity prepared up to 300 GW
- Gujarat is a power-surplus and renewable energy leader
- Over 50 GW renewable energy capacity installed in Gujarat
- Strong infrastructure supports EVs, data centres, and AI-driven industries
He also emphasized that Gujarat’s governance model reflects a strong partnership between government and industry.
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi: VGRC Now a Symbol of Global Partnerships
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said VGRC has evolved beyond an investment event into a symbol of global collaboration and innovation.
He highlighted Central Gujarat’s economic strength:
- Contributes 28% of Gujarat’s manufacturing output
- Exports worth $20.5 billion (2025–26)
- Over 65 GIDC industrial estates with 24,000+ active plots
- Leads Gujarat in auto manufacturing (92%), beverages (70%), and pharma & electrical equipment (63%)
He also announced the Central Gujarat Economic Master Plan (20-year roadmap) to accelerate regional development.
Industrial Policy 2026: New Investment Push for Gujarat
The government announced the Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026, aiming to attract large-scale investments and support innovation-driven growth.
Key features:
- Target: ₹10 lakh crore investment in 5 years
- MSME and startup incentives
- Women entrepreneur support system with interest subsidy and rental assistance
- Special benefits for mega and ultra-mega projects
- EPF reimbursement for companies hiring persons with disabilities
The policy also introduces a “Choose Your Incentives” model, allowing industries to select tailored benefits.
Women Empowerment and Inclusive Growth Focus
The policy places strong emphasis on women-led development:
- 1% additional interest subsidy for women entrepreneurs
- Skill refresher programs for women returning to work
- 75% rental assistance for up to 5 years
Officials described this as a major step toward inclusive industrial growth in Gujarat.
Ease of Doing Business and Governance Reforms
The state highlighted major improvements in governance efficiency:
- 55% increase in incentive disbursement over two years
- ₹7,888 crore incentives distributed
- 41% reduction in documentation requirements
- 95% reduction in pending files
- Around 392 applications processed daily
These reforms aim to make Gujarat one of the fastest and most transparent investment destinations in India.
Vision for Viksit Gujarat @2047
Leaders at the conference reiterated that Gujarat’s growth strategy is aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047.
Key focus areas include:
- Green manufacturing
- Digital economy
- Industrial expansion
- Global supply chain leadership
- Innovation-driven development
Deputy CM Sanghavi called upon investors, startups, and entrepreneurs to convert opportunities into real economic growth.
Gujarat Strengthens Position as Global Investment Hub
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 in Vadodara reinforced the state’s position as a leading global investment destination. With strong policy support, industrial infrastructure, and a clear long-term vision, Central Gujarat is being positioned as a major driver of India’s manufacturing, innovation, and export growth.
The conference concluded with a strong message of collaboration between government and industry to build a prosperous and future-ready Gujarat.
