Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the landmark 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, an event that draws global attention to the state’s economic prowess and investment potential. The inauguration, scheduled for today, 10th January 2024, has witnessed the presence of UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed as the chief guest, alongside a distinguished gathering of world leaders and industry experts. This year’s summit holds special significance as it commemorates ’20 years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success.’
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, India’s biggest business summit, was conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2003. Over the years, it has transformed into a forum for fostering business networks, sharing knowledge, and forging strategic partnerships dedicated to inclusive growth and sustainable development. The “Tenth Edition” of Vibrant Gujarat Summit, spanning from today to January 12, 2024, holds special significance as it commemorates “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success.”
Anticipation is high, with over 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries gearing up to participate in the summit. The summit is going to take place at the Main Convention Hall, Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The theme, ‘Gateway to the Future,’ reflects the state’s vision to chart a progressive course in the years to come. The venue itself is designed to facilitate insightful discussions and collaborations, featuring 13 halls dedicated to various themes, including ‘Make in Gujarat’ and ‘Self-reliant India.’ Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Gujarat, which commenced on Tuesday, included crucial bilateral meetings with world leaders, followed by a session with CEOs of top global corporations. These interactions set the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas and potential collaborations, aligning with the overarching theme of the summit.
In the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “It has been 20 years since the beginning of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. In these two decades, this initiative has been a trailblazer and trendsetter. It showed that thinking big is the first step of making a big impact. It showed how a State of India could institutionalize a way to connect Indian and international investors with the aspirations of our youth. It also set a national benchmark which many States successfully emulated, thus strengthening the Indian economy. As always, Vibrant Gujarat Summit continues to achieve new heights with the vision of a prosperous Gujarat for a self-reliant India.”
On the other hand, Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, has also shared his message about the summit, “The Tenth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 epitomises our commitment to development and socio-economic growth as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Gujarat is well-positioned to contribute and accelerate the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @ 2047. I welcome you all to the Tenth Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 to participate in the growth story of Gujarat.”
The recent summit has sparked considerable optimism among international leaders about Gujarat’s role in elevating India’s business landscape. US Consul General Mike Hankey has shown a keen interest in the state, seeing it as a vibrant ground for American companies like Tesla to not only conduct business but also to engage in collaborative development and production. The idea is to leverage India’s burgeoning market as a springboard for global distribution, a concept that resonates with the US’s broader business strategies.
Meanwhile, Matthew Johnston from the Australian High Commission has highlighted the educational prospects in the region. He expressed pride in Deakin University becoming the first foreign institution to open a branch in Gift City, aligning with the educational aspirations of both the Indian and Gujarati governments. This move signals a deepening of educational ties and a commitment to fostering academic excellence in the region.
Complementing these views, Frank Robinson, CEO of QX Global Group, applauded Gujarat’s dynamic growth. With his company headquartered in the state, he aligned his vision with that of Prime Minister Modi, aspiring to transform Gujarat into a global accountancy hub. This ambition is indicative of the wider recognition of Gujarat’s potential as a key player in both the Indian and global economic landscape.
The inaugural day of the summit will hold seminars on Aircraft/ Ancillary Manufacturing & MRO Opportunities, GATI SHAKTI- Informed Decision Making for Holistic Development, DHOLERA- A Greenfield Smart City for Smart Businesses. Global FinTech Leadership Forum along with B2B/ B2G/ G2G meetings. Gujarat’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat as well as its roadmap for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is central point of motivation for this summit.
Viksit Bharat @2047 constitutes the objectives such as building world’s largest Hybrid Renewable Energy Park at Kachchh with a capacity of 30,000 MW along with developing world-class Fintech Hub, India’s initiatives for Green Hydrogen and manufacturing semiconductor chips. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 is set to align with the national priorities and themes of G20 and I2U2, extending its influence and vibrancy at the state, national, and international levels.
Furthermore, a series of seminars and events will be orchestrated to showcase Gujarat’s notable achievements, strengths across various sectors, and its readiness to champion the visions of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The seminar themes encompass food security, advanced technology, startups and innovation, healthcare and life sciences, sustainability, among others.
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show 2024, commencing on January 9, 2024, will spotlight ‘TECHADE and Disruptive Technologies,’ with a specific focus on the Champion Services Sector. This includes Digital India initiatives, India Stack, emerging technologies (Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, AI/ML, among others), smart infrastructure/smart cities, consumer technology, and the application of technology in various service sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education, environment, tourism, and hospitality.
The summit is, as reported, not just a congregation of leaders and businesses; it is a platform for addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development. A press release ahead of the event outlined the diverse agenda, encompassing seminars and conferences on globally relevant topics such as Industry 4.0, Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility, Renewable Energy, and the Transition towards Sustainability. This edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit signifies the state’s contributing role in shaping India’s economic landscape and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and investment.