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Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference: 500+ Crore Biz, 4 Nations Join Rajkot Expo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, featuring a major five-day business exhibition. The event includes over 50 seminars and hosts more than 450 exhibitors, with strong participation from MSMEs, startups, and artisans. A key highlight is the Reverse Buyers-Sellers Meet, connecting local businesses with over 110 international buyers, which has already facilitated over 1,000 MoUs. The conference also marks the participation of four partner countries and focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and startups.

Key Points: Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference Launches in Rajkot

  • 50+ sector seminars held
  • 450+ exhibitors including MSMEs & startups
  • 4 partner countries: Japan, Rwanda, South Korea, Ukraine
  • Over Rs 500 crore export business expected
2 min read

VGRC Rajkot: 5-day exhibition to witness over 50 seminars, participation of four partner countries

PM Modi inaugurates 5-day VGRC in Rajkot featuring 50+ seminars, 450+ exhibitors, 4 partner countries, and over Rs 500 crore in expected exports.

"realising the vision of 'Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat' - Event Intro"

Rajkot, Jan 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference: Saurashtra-Kutch' along with the five-day business exhibition at Marwadi University, realising the vision of 'Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat'.

Over the next two days, more than 50 sector-focused seminars and thematic sessions are being organised, covering industries, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, environment, startups, sustainability, and future technologies.

The five-day exhibition serves as a grand platform to showcase innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional excellence. With more than 450 exhibitors, including over 160 MSMEs, 60 startups and innovators, 62 artisans, and 70 stalls from central and state government departments, the exhibition reflects the diverse strengths of Gujarat's economy.

Spread across six domes and covering a total area of 26,400 square meters, VGRE has emerged as a hub for business networking and collaboration.

One of the key attractions of the exhibition is the Reverse Buyers-Sellers Meet (RBSM), which provides regional MSMEs with a direct opportunity to connect with more than 110 international buyers.

For the first time, cottage industries are participating in exclusive interactions with over 20 international buyers, opening new pathways for global outreach. The program has received an overwhelming response, with more than 2,200 meetings held in just the first two days and over 1,000 MoUs signed, leading to an expected export business of more than Rs 500 crore.

Local businesses, industry leaders, startups, academic institutions, and technical students are enthusiastically participating in the exhibition, making it a vibrant confluence of ideas, innovation, and opportunities.

By connecting entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators with global buyers, VGRE is strengthening Gujarat's position as a leading hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

The VGRC 2026 was marked by the participation of four partner countries - Japan, Rwanda, South Korea, and Ukraine - along with 12 partner organisations.

The key developments at the exhibition included an announcement of 13 new Smart GIDC estates covering 3,543 acres of land across 7 districts, inauguration of the Medical Devices Park at Nagalpar in Rajkot.

Focus on MSMEs, startups, and women entrepreneurs

Special emphasis was placed on MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and startups through the Udyami Mela, enabling access to finance, markets, skills, and institutional support. This inclusive approach provides a platform for small enterprises and emerging innovators to connect with large industry players and global partners.

A cultural program was also organised on 11 January at Atal Sarovar, celebrating Gujarat's rich heritage and diversity, adding a vibrant dimension to the conference.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a startup founder from Ahmedabad, I attended. The energy was incredible! Finally got a chance to pitch to investors from Japan and South Korea. The focus on future tech and sustainability seminars was spot on. More power to such initiatives!
D
David E
Impressive scale and international participation. The partnership with countries like Rwanda and Ukraine is interesting, shows Gujarat is looking beyond traditional markets. The Smart GIDC estates announcement is a major infrastructure push.
M
Meera T
Glad to see special emphasis on women entrepreneurs and cottage industries. My aunt's handicraft business from Kutch had a stall. She's already in talks with a buyer from Europe! This is what inclusive growth looks like. The cultural program at Atal Sarovar must have been beautiful.
A
Aman W
Good initiative, but I hope the benefits reach the grassroots. Sometimes these big exhibitions feel like a show for headlines. The real test is whether the 1000+ MoUs actually materialize into jobs and stable income for local artisans and small businesses in the long run.
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Sarah B
The focus on fisheries and agriculture alongside tech is smart. Holistic development. The Medical Devices Park in Rajkot could be a major employment generator. Gujarat continues to lead in creating a business-friendly ecosystem.

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