Surat, April 30
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday reviewed preparations for the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Surat on the eve of the event, inspecting the venue and meeting leading industrialists from South Gujarat.
Sanghavi simultaneously disbursed Rs 1,349.50 crore in incentives to more than 11,029 entrepreneurs through a single-click transfer.
The review focused on readiness for the two-day conference, which is scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Officials said more than 18 seminars will be held during the event, alongside one-to-one meetings between the Chief Minister and industrialists from various sectors.
Senior officials from over 10 state government departments are expected to remain present in Surat to address issues raised by traders and industrial organisations on-site.
Sanghavi said the regional conference was expected to deliver tangible benefits to South Gujarat.
"South Gujarat will get unprecedented benefits from this summit. A large number of new MoUs are expected," he said.
He added that five countries have joined as partner nations for the conference and that ambassadors from several countries have already arrived in Surat and are reviewing development works in the city.
A dedicated meeting with foreign delegates has also been scheduled to discuss investment opportunities and the region's industrial potential.
The subsidy disbursal formed part of the government's push to support industrial growth ahead of the conference.
The incentives, amounting to Rs 1,349.50 crore, were credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible entrepreneurs, covering beneficiaries across sectors.
The VGRC is part of a series of region-specific investment meets organised by the state government between editions of the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.
The Surat edition covers districts across South and Central Gujarat and is intended to promote local industrial strengths while facilitating global partnerships and investment.
The programme includes sector-focused discussions on textiles, chemicals, petrochemicals, agriculture, tourism, and emerging industries, along with business-to-business interactions and policy sessions.
Industry representatives present during the review welcomed the disbursement of the subsidy and the conference framework.
Ashok Jirawala, President of the Federation of Gujarat Weaver Association, said: "Amid the war-like situation in the Middle East, more than Rs 1,300 crore subsidy being directly credited into accounts is like a booster dose for the textile industry."
He added that the move also sends a strong message to industries considering relocation that investment in Gujarat remains secure and transparent.
Harish Joshi, President of the Vilayat Industries Association in Bharuch, said the Vibrant Gujarat model had become an example for the rest of the country.
"This regional conference will establish direct dialogue between the government and industries, which will prove to be a milestone in achieving the Prime Minister's goal of 'Viksit Bharat at 2047'," he said.
Nikhil Madrasi, representing the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, said the presence of multiple departments would help resolve long-standing industrial issues.
"The problems of industries in South Gujarat will be resolved. At the same time, a good roadmap for development will be prepared," he said, adding that there were significant expectations from international participation, particularly from Japan.
Officials said the conference is designed to strengthen engagement between government, industry, and global stakeholders, with an emphasis on facilitating investments, resolving operational challenges, and advancing regional industrial development.
- IANS
Reader Comments
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.