By Bhupendra Patel
If we look at the pages of history, we find that business has always been integral to Gujarat and its people. Gujarat had been a thriving centre of the Indian Ocean trade, where art, spices, and precious commodities like gold and silver were traded through the state.
The state was also the home to one of the richest civilizations—the Harappan Civilisation. Surat, Ahmedabad, Kutch, etc, were already flourishing centers of trade and commerce. However, something about this rich history and its entrepreneurial spirit got lost in the annals of time.
When Narendra Modi became the state’s chief minister in 2001, he resolved to utilise the strategic landscape of Gujarat, unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of its people, and make it a thriving center of business, commerce, and culture, once again. And it is no wonder that the people of Gujarat supported him with open arms.
In 2003, he kickstarted the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, an initiative that has now become the confluence of trade, culture, and traditions.
The Vibrant Gujarat Summit transformed Gujarat into a thriving economic hub and a global investment destination. Today, Gujarat has emerged as a ‘Global Business Hub’ and ‘India’s Growth Engine’ attracting domestic and international investments thereby catapulting India’s growth story.
With a contribution of more than 8% to India’s GDP, the state has attracted several national and international players under the umbrella of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
A unique feature of the summit was the fact that while it focused on attracting investments and businesses, it also focused on highlighting the culture and traditions of Gujarat. In short, it was a complete package for anyone who wanted to make Gujarat their home.
With a transparent system in place, single-window clearances, land bank parcels, and a plug-and-play facility, Gujarat attracted key industry players thereby fostering growth, employment, and investments. Coupled with a focus on economic growth, the state also fostered a vision for a sustainable future. In 2009, Gujarat was the first state to start a dedicated climate change department.
The rich traditions of Gujarat were catapulted to the national and international level through various events like the Rann Utsav, Vibrant Navratri Festival, and International Kite Festival. These fairs and festivals have boosted local employment and highlighted Gujarat’s history in a modern form to India and the World.
It is important to know that Gujarat’s vision was never meant just for the people of the state. It has always been for India.
And hence, over time, we have introduced policies to propel India’s growth story. The Industrial Policy 2020, Gujarat Electronics Policy 2022, Gujarat State Biotechnology (BT) Policy 2022, Gujarat Waste to Energy Policy 2022, Gujarat IT/ITes Policy- 2022, Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022, Gujarat Cinematic Tourism Policy 2022, Gujarat Sports Policy 2022, Student Startup & Innovation Policy (SSIP 2.0) 2022 and Scheme for Assistance for Startups or Innovation (under Industrial Policy 2020), Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, are touchstones in their own fields.
Today, we are front runners in almost every field, from start-ups to semiconductors to tourism and innovation. Several schemes and programmes whose inception happened in Gujarat are now replicated at the national level.
Gujarat has also transformed itself into an FDI hub. It has received cumulative FDI of $51.19 billion from 2003 to August 2022.
The state is leading in exports, contributing to 33% of India’s merchandise valued at $150 billion for FY23. The state also stands out as a top performer in the BRAP 2020 report from the Union government, demonstrating its commitment to fostering an accommodating business environment.
While these statistics show the dedication and commitment of the administration, we must understand that the real reason why we could scale such heights is due to the support of the people, who have always ensured a peaceful environment and accepted people from various parts of India and the world with open arms.
As we celebrate the completion of two decades of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit that has transformed the state, we are poised and dedicated to continuing this legacy with new vigour and enthusiasm.
As India enters the Amrit Kaal, Gujarat is committed to fulfilling the prime minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047 with the mantra of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat through Aatmanirbhar Gujarat’.
The writer is Chief minister, Gujarat