Amid tariff uncertainties and geopolitical tensions reshaping global investment flows, Gujarat has reinforced investor confidence through a decentralised model that has taken industrial promotion closer to businesses and entrepreneurs across the state.For the first time in the run-up to the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, the state organised four editions of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Mehsana, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara.The regional format has widened participation by bringing investment opportunities closer to entrepreneurs in Tier II and Tier III centres and enabling businesses that may not have participated in earlier Vibrant Gujarat summits to engage with policymakers, investors and global markets.More than 1,300 foreign companies and individuals, seven partner countries and 14 partner organisations participated in the exercise, while over 10,800 B2B meetings generated export inquiries worth Rs 1,680 crore.The investment momentum has been broad-based, spanning traditional strengths as well as emerging industries. Major MoUs have been signed in power and renewable energy, oil and gas, port and port-based industries, mineral-based projects, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, agro and food processing, animal husbandry, fisheries, cooperatives, and rail and road connectivity, alongside sunrise sectors such as green hydrogen, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.Industry leaders believe this diversity will spur downstream industries, create stronger supply chains and generate fresh job opportunities.The momentum is also reaching grassroots enterprises. Dahod’s Jyot Sakhi Mandal, which showcased traditional bamboo crafts, recorded sales of Rs 50,000 and secured fresh orders worth Rs 30,000, illustrating how women entrepreneurs and tribal artisans are accessing larger markets through such platforms.Together with the planned 33 smart GIDC estates and the Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026, the regional conferences are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovation-driven and future-ready industrial ecosystem across Gujarat.
VGRC Big tickets
Green energy to power next growth cyclePower and renewable energy have emerged as major beneficiaries of the regional conferences as Gujarat continues to consolidate its leadership in solar, wind and green energy. Industry experts say investments in transmission networks, battery energy storage systems, EPC capabilities and solar manufacturing will help address infrastructure gaps and support the state’s next phase of clean energy growth. Kunj Shah, chairperson of the renewable energy committee of Assocham Gujarat State Council, said fresh investments would strengthen the entire ecosystem and improve renewable energy utilisation. Greater indigenisation and ecosystem development could also attract larger anchor investors in the future, he said. The multiplier effect is expected to benefit MSMEs engaged in fabrication, electrical equipment, engineering services and logistics, creating a wider industrial ecosystem around Gujarat’s green transition.Chemicals sector sees downstream opportunitiesThe chemicals industry has already begun translating investment intentions into concrete expansion plans. Vadodara’s Deepak Nitrite announced investments of Rs 15,000 crore and moved ahead with projects, including a Rs 3,500-crore expansion in phenol, acetone and isopropyl alcohol capacities, that will support an integrated polycarbonate business and reduce import dependence.The company has also invested in specialty fluorochemicals, commissioned a polycarbonate compounding facility at Savli and set up a new R&D centre to drive innovation in advanced materials and petrochemicals. Industry leaders believe such investments will create a strong downstream ecosystem encompassing engineering services, logistics, equipment suppliers and specialised MSMEs, further strengthening Gujarat’s manufacturing competitiveness.South Gujarat eyes new growth corridorsIndustry representatives believe the VGRC momentum and the new industrial policy could open fresh growth avenues.Raviraj Desai, VP, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the conference helped industries identify focus areas and attract investments that could have moved to other states. Former SGCCI president B S Agarwal said the initiatives will encourage long-term industrial planning and complement the momentum created through policy incentives.Healthcare and pharma build on manufacturing strengthsIndustry executives believe fresh investments will support expansion in formulations, APIs, medical devices and contract manufacturing while creating opportunities for ancillary sectors such as packaging, specialised engineering and logistics. Combined with infrastructure improvements and MSME participation, the investments are expected to further strengthen Gujarat’s competitiveness in global life sciences manufacturing and create high-value employment opportunities across the sector.Ports, logistics to reinforce trade advantageDeendayal Port Authority (DPA) has announced two major projects involving investments of Rs 57,000 crore. DPA is developing a cargo terminal in the Tuna Tekra area focused on segregating and efficiently handling dry bulk cargo. A mega shipbuilding hub and container terminal are also planned. Stakeholders believe such investments will create opportunities for logistics providers, engineering firms, ancillary industries and MSMEs and boost Gujarat’s position as India’s leading exim gateway.Big boost to bring new opportunities for smaller unitsIndustry leaders believe the regional outreach has encouraged development of new industrial clusters and strengthened the prospects of MSMEs by attracting larger companies to emerging centres. They say this will expand business for ancillary units, boost local supply chains and generate jobs closer home. MSMEs have urged the govt for infrastructure. They feel many GIDC estates have reached saturation and newer ones need modern facilities.
Industry speaks on Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences
