Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a significant regional business summit in Gujarat next week, focusing on boosting the economic potential of the Saurashtra-Kutch region. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) will be held at Marwadi University in Rajkot on January 11, as announced by state cabinet minister Jitu Vaghani.
Grand Preparations and Global Participation
Minister Jitu Vaghani, who also serves as the district in-charge minister for Rajkot, recently chaired a preparatory meeting at the Rajkot Collector's office to finalize arrangements. Senior district officials were present to ensure the event's success. Prior to the inauguration, PM Modi will hold a roadshow from the old airport in Rajkot before proceeding to the conference venue.
The conference, themed "Regional Aspirations, Global Ambitions," aims to showcase the cultural heritage of Saurashtra-Kutch while aligning with the national vision of a self-reliant India. Officials have been directed to organize banners, thematic lighting, and stalls displaying local agricultural products.
The event has already attracted widespread interest, with over 6,000 registrations received, including international participants from 23 countries. Delegates from partner nations like Ukraine, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Rwanda are expected, along with representatives from 13 international trade organizations.
Major Exhibition and Focus on MSMEs
A large-scale trade exhibition will run from January 11 to 13 across a sprawling area of 26,400 square metres. A significant portion, a 4,400 square metre pavilion, has been dedicated exclusively to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), cottage industries, handicrafts, start-ups, and indigenous enterprises. Approximately six domes will be set up to provide start-ups and entrepreneurs from the region a platform to explore export opportunities.
Major institutional players have confirmed their participation, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Adani Group, Tata Chemicals, and Reliance Industries.
Conference Agenda and Key Discussions
The two-day conference, covering 12 districts of the region, is the second regional edition under the Vibrant Gujarat initiative and the first specifically for Saurashtra-Kutch. It will feature multiple seminars and roundtable discussions.
On the inaugural day, January 11, sessions will delve into agricultural value chains and oilseed opportunities, women empowerment in industry, and green start-ups and blue energy. The following day, January 12, will host a regional MSME conclave alongside discussions on business prospects in GIFT City, the textile and jewellery sectors, and the ambitious "Mission 100 GW" in the energy sector.
Infrastructure for the event includes an inaugural dome with a seating capacity for 4,000 people, more than 20 seminar halls, and VVIP lounge facilities, ensuring a world-class experience for all attendees.
