In a significant development for Gujarat's economic outreach, a high-level delegation from the state, spearheaded by deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi, engaged with global business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. The meetings aimed to bolster investment opportunities and foster deeper collaborations across various sectors, leveraging Gujarat's robust economic growth and urban expansion.
Key Meetings with Industry Titans
Deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi initiated a productive interaction with Yusuffali MA, the chairman of Lulu Mall. During this discussion, they reviewed the progress of India's largest shopping mall, which is set to be established in Gujarat. This ambitious project was officially announced at the Vibrant Gujarat 2024 summit. The dialogue also explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in real estate investments, driven by Gujarat's thriving economy and dynamic urban development.
Expanding Energy Infrastructure
In another pivotal meeting, Sanghavi conferred with Andreas Schierenbeck, the CEO of Hitachi Energy. The focus was on strategies to expand the company's presence in Gujarat, which serves as Hitachi Energy's strongest operational base in India. Discussions centered on advancing grid connectivity and developing next-generation wind power infrastructure, highlighting Gujarat's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
GIFT City Delegation's Engagements
Concurrently, a delegation from GIFT City conducted a series of meetings with global industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. According to an official statement, these interactions aimed to attract international investments and partnerships.
Sanghavi detailed on social media platform X that the delegation held discussions with senior leadership from a diverse array of global institutions, including:
- Global Entrepreneurship Network
- Equinix
- IFS
- Cloudflare
- Amundi
- IMD Business School
- Airtel
- RP Goenka Group
These meetings spanned various sectors such as technology, finance, and education, underscoring Gujarat's multifaceted appeal to international stakeholders.
Panel Discussion on India's Global Role
Adding to the delegation's activities, deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi participated as a panellist in a discussion titled "Shift from Emerging to Pivotal: India in the New Geo-economic Order". This session, held on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum, explored India's evolving position in the global economic landscape, with Sanghavi likely highlighting Gujarat's contributions to this transformation.
Overall, the Gujarat delegation's presence at Davos signifies a strategic effort to position the state as a premier destination for global investments, driven by its economic vitality and proactive governance.
