Ahead of VGGS 2022, Mumbai Roadshow attracts industry bigwigs

By A Draft Correspondent

One of the most-awaited events, the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is scheduled to be held in January 2022 under the theme Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. As a curtain raiser before the main event, Mumbai Roadshow was organised on 02 December 2021 to invite investors to Gujarat, in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

AGGRESSIVE: During the Mumbai Roadshow, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel invited investors to the state

A biennial event, the Summit was conceptualised in 2003 under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the-then Gujarat Chief Minister. The Summit has now evolved into one of the most reputed global forums for business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive socio-economic development.

Speaking at the Mumbai Roadshow, CM Patel said, "When PM Modi initiated the summit, it was a new experiment for the nation and the world. Today, it is a global brand image to reckon with." He added, "The summit has evolved, focusing on global issues, their solutions and opportunities available worldwide in addition to promoting investment in the state. Networking and knowledge sharing are other pertinent takeaways. Gujarat is deeply committed to fulfilling the Prime Minister's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat for the growth and development of India's citizens."

The Chief Minister highlighted the factors responsible for Gujarat's unmatched success in attracting investors from the world over and said, "Gujarat has an all-inclusive, all-round development ecosystem and with industry-friendly policies, the state is ready to welcome global and local industries/businesses seeking to re-locate in post-corona times." He attributed Gujarat's stable political and business-oriented environment for the past 25 years to its position as the country's most preferred investment destination across the globe.

MEGA-EVENT: Several industry leaders attended the Mumbai Roadshow 

CM Patel maintained, "We aim to attract investment in sectors such as next-generation infrastructure, energy, digital network, fintech, start-up, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, e-vehicles." And knowledge exchange, tourism and financial services for sustainable socio-economic development and the "VGGIS Summit is the best platform to be a part of the development journey from Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat." The theme has been chosen to further Gujarat's commitment towards PM Modi's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Gujarat has adopted and inculcated the policy of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' that has led to holistic and inclusive development in the state. Highlighting India's development under PM Modi's leadership, the Chief Minister spoke about the schemes that have fast-tracked India's growth trajectory. These include Prime Minister's Gati Shakti Master Plan, Production Linked Incentive Scheme, Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, etc. He extended invitation to financial institutions, fintech companies and start-ups present in the road show to invest and do business in Gujarat’s GIFT City.

Gujarat Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar presented how the theme of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2022 aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and highlighted Dholera SIR and GIFT CITY as the big-ticket projects for Gujarat's development. Mr Kumar further spoke of the approximately 3.3 million MSMEs that form the backbone of the state’s economy.

IN SYNC: The theme of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2022 aligns with PM Modi's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Among others present at the Mumbai Roadshow was Ambuja Cement MD & CEO Neeraj Akhoury who spoke of his brand's association with Gujarat for more than three decades and the magnanimous investment opportunities that the Summit has brought into the state over the years. Kotak Mahindra MD & CEO Uday Kotak recalled his memories of the Summit's rich legacy that has helped the state move forward. CEAT Tyres MD Anant Goenka, also present during the roadshow, expressed his keen interest in participating in the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January 2022.

As a precursor to the Summit, several seminars, events and exhibitions 'to showcase Gujarat’s distinctive accomplishments, strengths across sectors, and its preparedness to lead Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s growth story' are being organised. As a run-up to the main event, Gujarat CM Patel, in one-to-one meetings, interacted with industrialists, business leaders, foreign delegates, etc. during his Mumbai visit. He invited Mumbai-based global and local industrialists to participate in the journey of Aatmanirbhar Gujarat to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and attend the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit to be held in January 2022.

IN-PERSON: Gujarat CM met several industry delegates and business leaders during his Mumbai visit

The CM also met President and Country Head of Bank of America Kaku Nakhate. The bank has started a Global Business Services Centre at GIFT City. He also met Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited Nikhil Meswani and Chairman of Hinduja Group Ashok Hinduja discussing opportunities of collaborations. 

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