The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was conceptualised in 2003. The summit has now emerged as one of the most coveted global forums for strategic partnerships for sustainable development and inclusive growth, knowledge sharing, and business networking. Owing to its entrepreneurial zest, Gujarat has become one of the most industrialised and urbanised states. Gujarat has also been one of the most preferred investment destinations for businessmen. To commemorate the completion of twenty years of the summit, Vibrant Gujarat has been celebrating the tenth edition of “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success.” The Vibrant Gujarat Summit is being held from 10th – 12th January 2024. As a precursor to the main event, programmes were held in Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and Mumbai before the inauguration in Gandhinagar. Some of the themes of the summit include food security, advanced technology, startups and innovation, health care and life science, sustainability, etc. Moreover, the summit showcases several accomplishments and strengths of Gujarat in diverse fields to indicate its preparedness to lead the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC)
The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) seminar was held on January 10, 2024. Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, Mike Hankey, remarked on the strong bilateral relations shared between the United States and India at the moment. He also highlighted how the sectors of development in defence, space, and semiconductors have brought both countries together. He expressed the interest of the U.S. in strengthening its partnership with India with regards to space development. Amit Singh, CEO of Adani Green Energy, also pointed out that the world’s largest renewable energy park in the field of renewable energy was built at Khavda in Kutch using ultramodern technology. Shri Anand Ramamoorthy, Vice President and Managing Director of Micron India, also remarked that the theme of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024, viz., ‘Gateway to the Future”, will be realised through the advancement of artificial intelligence and semiconductors in India.
Advanced Relations with Other Countries
The summit has given an opportunity to hold discussions between Indian ministers and esteemed dignitaries from other countries and world leaders. These discussions are either laying the foundation of bilateral relations or are being aimed at improving them. For instance, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel met with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Fiala, and decided to collaborate in the sectors of automotive, industry, and clean energy. During this meeting, Shri Bhupendra Patel highlighted how the inception of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit can be credited to PM Modi to counter the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 2001. Mr. Petr Fiala also pointed out how it was a tradition for Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic to participate in this annual summit.
Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai and Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki participated in a seminar on 10th January to highlight the long-standing business tie between India and Japan, spanning over three decades. Mr. Suzuki mentioned how the ties between the two countries were initially based in the automotive sector, and currently, India is on par with Japan in terms of advancement in the same. He also mentioned that Japan had been keenly involved in several Indian projects concerning automobiles, green energy, and cow dung power generation. Kazushige Tanaka, Deputy Director-General of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Finance, noted the improving strategic partnership between the two countries with regard to the semiconductor supply chain and congratulated the leadership and vision of PM Modi for the same.
In a seminar titled ‘Artificial Intelligence, English Language Teaching, and Higher Education India-UK Collaboration: Reimagining the Future’, Mr. Alison Barrett, Director of British Council India, remarked on the importance of the state of Gujarat for the British Council. He also pointed out that India had surpassed the United Kingdom in artificial intelligence, English language teaching, and higher education. He promised greater collaboration with the state of Gujarat in integrating technology into higher education systems. Mr. Sarah Rogerson, Director of the English Program at British Council India, South Asia, and East Asia, also mentioned that they were ready to set up an institute for an English learning program at GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City).
A seminar was being held on the theme ‘Africa the Next Frontier and Scope for India’ by the Indo-Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Dr Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General of the Indo-Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IACCI) mentioned that, “keeping in mind the demand of the young population of Africa, there are bright opportunities available for development in infrastructure, industries, agriculture, dairy development, roads, education, renewable energy, and electricity, which Indians should benefit from.” She also emphasised the rising potential of India and Africa to become partners in several sectors.
Apart from these, CM Shri Bhupendra Patel in a meeting with Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, U.A.E., and possible collaboration between the U.A.E. and Gujarat in the arena of green hydrogen technology and desalination plants was being discussed. A seminar titled ‘Unlocking Gujarat and the European Union’ by the Council of European Union Chambers of Commerce in India was being organised. In the seminar, India and Slovenia’s partnerships in the areas of robotics, green hydrogen, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, logistics supply chain, automobile components, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals were being acknowledged.
Memorandums of Understanding
Eight crucial MoUs are being signed in the Agro and Food Processing sector, in the presence of Agriculture Minister Shri Raghavji Patel. Several companies have shown their eagerness to contribute to this emerging field. Among them are Asandas and Sons Pvt. Ltd., Bhitar Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., Tidy Agroceutical Pvt. Ltd., Grainspan Nutrients Pvt. Ltd., Sanstar Ltd., J.M. Coconut Products Pvt. Ltd., Mac Patel Foods Pvt. Ltd., and RPA Agriculture Infrastructure and Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Appreciation by Dignitaries
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is witnessing the participation of several dignitaries from around the world. While overseas guests are appreciating the immense hospitality of India and the exponential growth of the country in globally relevant sectors, others are praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited said, “no other summit of this kind has continued for 20 long years — and going from strength to strength. This is a tribute to our Prime Minister Shri Narendra bhai Modi’s vision and consistency.” He also announced that Reliance would soon set up the country’s first and world-class carbon fiber facility at Hazira, Gujarat. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group appreciated PM Modi’s ability to both foresee and shape the future. He also announced an investment of Rs. 2 lakh crores towards building a green energy park that would be visible even from space.
The three-day event in Gujarat has stirred up a lot of energy towards advancing the already developed condition of the state as well as the country. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the country has seen an immense increase in investments and economic partnerships, with Gujarat just being a microcosm. With consistent annual commemorations like the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit’, the country is bound to witness more holistic progress.
