CII Gujarat Annual Meeting 2024, held with the central theme of “Viksit Gujarat – Empowering India’s Prosperity,” convened a gathering of industry luminaries, policymakers, diplomats, and intellectuals. The aim was to discuss strategies that would not only advance Gujarat’s prosperity but also bolster India’s economic advancement.
In his opening speech, Darshan Shah, Chairman of CII Gujarat State Council and Managing Director of Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics, lauded Gujarat as a land ripe with opportunities. He emphasized the state’s significant role in India’s economic landscape, highlighting its robust infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and skilled workforce. Shah expressed optimism about Gujarat’s potential to enhance India’s global economic integration and drive towards a $5 trillion economy.
He stressed the need to capitalize on Gujarat’s strengths to fuel India’s economic growth through increased innovation, technology adoption, skill development, sustainability, and collaboration between industry and academia. He mentioned that the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Gujarat has played a pivotal role in collaborating with the state government to establish Gujarat as a beacon of industrial growth, stimulating trade and investment opportunities.
The Annual Meeting for 2024 of the CII Gujarat State Council provided a platform to align the state’s ambitions with the national vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming for a developed India by 2047, marking 100 years of independence. During her speech, Swati Salgaocar, Deputy Chairperson of CII Western Region and President of VM Salgaocar & Brothers, highlighted Gujarat’s rise as a technological and intellectual hub.
She noted that the convergence of advanced technology, local entrepreneurship, and effective leadership has accelerated industrial growth in the state, opening up avenues for businesses to thrive. With its status as an industrialized state boasting rapid growth rates and a significant share in output and exports, Gujarat is unquestionably the growth engine of India. Salgaocar emphasized the need to reinforce the industry’s role as a catalyst for inclusive, balanced, and sustainable growth.
Anita Kelly, Consul General of Ireland, underscored the significance of strong Indo-Irish relations and reiterated her country’s commitment to supporting India’s economic development. She highlighted Ireland’s expertise in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and financial services, offering access to the European regulatory framework. Kelly expressed that Ireland has much to offer to companies in Gujarat.
Mike Hankley, the Consul General of the United States, has reaffirmed the strong relationship between the US and India, highlighting the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic state visit to the White House and President Joe Biden’s participation in the G20 Summit in India. He stressed the importance of collaboration in various sectors such as defense, environment, technology, and education.
Hankley stated, “The US is dedicated to being a partner in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.” In his vote of thanks, Kulin Lalbhai, Vice Chairman of CII Gujarat State Council and Executive Director of Arvind, emphasized the critical role of Gujarat in India’s development, stating that Gujarat must innovate and excel in sectors like renewable energy, hydrogen, and semiconductors to maintain its economic strength and become a half-trillion-dollar economy.
The first day of the CII Gujarat Annual Meeting also included an enlightening session on Opportunities in Africa, panel discussions on Gujarat’s chemical industry and its MSME sector, and a roundtable discussion on simplifying regulatory processes and improving the business environment in Gujarat.
