Gandhinagar: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), marking a new phase in Gujarat’s journey to strengthen its industrial and economic landscape across every region. Building on the global success of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, initiated by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in 2003, the regional conference aims to bring the spotlight to local industries, promote investment readiness, and reinforce the “Vocal for Local” initiative.
VGRC: A Platform to Showcase Regional Strengths
Speaking at the launch, CM Bhupendra Patel emphasized the significance of the regional conferences in showcasing the unique industrial capabilities and economic strengths of Gujarat’s diverse regions. “Every district in Gujarat has its own identity and products that make it unique,” he said, highlighting the ‘One District, One Product’ initiative as a reflection of this diversity and potential.
The conference logo, website, and a mobile app were also unveiled at the event, providing a one-stop platform for updates and participation related to VGRC.
Read also: Green Gujarat in Focus: VGRC Highlights Gujarat’s Role in India’s 500 GW Renewable Energy Vision
Regional Conferences Across Gujarat to Foster Local Growth
The first Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference will take place in Mehsana district on October 9-10, 2025. Subsequent conferences are planned for:
- Rajkot (Kutch and Saurashtra) on January 8-9, 2026
- Surat (South Gujarat) on April 9-10, 2026
- Vadodara (Central Gujarat) on June 10-11, 2026
These conferences will focus on promoting local industries, increasing investment opportunities, and creating jobs, ensuring the benefits of growth reach every corner of the state.
Gujarat’s Industrial Evolution: From Traditional to Futuristic Sectors
Chief Minister Patel reflected on Gujarat’s historical leadership in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, chemical-petrochemical, and engineering. Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state is rapidly advancing into emerging fields like semiconductors, electric mobility, aerospace, defence, and green energy.
Patel reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision of fostering self-reliance by prioritizing indigenous talent in technology, innovation, research, and production — underpinning the Vocal for Local and Local for Global mantra.
Strengthening Gujarat’s Global Industrial Presence
The CM acknowledged the role of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in positioning the state as a global industrial hub, attracting multinational investments and fostering a robust MSME ecosystem. He noted that over the years, Gujarat has implemented more than 20 policy reforms, simplifying procedures from land acquisition to starting a business under the Ease of Doing Business framework.
The VGRC is expected to complement these efforts by enabling local-level industrial growth, enhancing district-level brands, and creating quality products, thereby boosting the state’s overall economy under the vision of Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, Sauno Vishvas, Sauno Prayas (Together with all, development for all, trust for all, efforts by all).
Industries Minister Highlights Investment Milestones
Industries Minister Mr. Balvantsinh Rajput recalled the last Vibrant Gujarat Summit’s achievements, where investment commitments of ₹45,000 crore and over 2,600 MoUs were signed. He stated that since the Summit’s inception in 2003, Gujarat’s production has surged from ₹1.42 lakh crore to over ₹22 lakh crore, with per capita income rising from ₹18,392 to ₹2,73,000.
Rajput also highlighted the growth of small enterprises from 1.5 lakh in 2003 to over 21 lakh today and mentioned that foreign direct investment in Gujarat has crossed ₹5.50 lakh crore between 2003 and 2025. The 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit, led by Chief Minister Patel, attracted participants from 140 countries and resulted in 81 lakh jobs.
Administrative Officials Emphasize Local Development Focus
Principal Secretary (Industries) Ms. Mamta Verma and Industries Commissioner Mr. Swaroop P elaborated on the objective of VGRC — accelerating local economic development, generating employment, and showcasing regional identities. The conferences aim to engage entrepreneurs, youth, and local leaders, connecting their aspirations with government policies.
They also stressed opportunities in emerging sectors such as value-added crop production and green energy, alongside reinforcing traditional industries.
Key Officials and Industry Representatives Attend
The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Mr. Raghavji Patel, Minister of State Mr. Bhikusinhji Parmar, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. M. K. Das, Commissioner Geology & Mining Mr. Dhaval Patel, MD of GIDC Ms. Praveena D. K., MD of iNDEXTb Mr. Keyur C. Sampat, and representatives from industry associations.
