New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has urged foreign missions to encourage companies and investors in their respective countries to explore opportunities in the state, as Gujarat steps up international outreach ahead of the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar in January 2027.
Patel made the appeal during an interaction with Heads of Foreign Missions in New Delhi on August 31 as part of preparations for the summit, officials said on Tuesday.
He said that Gujarat wanted to use the Vibrant Gujarat platform to deepen existing international partnerships and create new avenues for investment, technology collaboration and economic cooperation.
“Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has been organising the Vibrant Gujarat Summit since 2003, which has proved to be a game-changer in its development journey and over the years, it has evolved into a strong global platform for fostering mutual cooperation, investment and partnerships between Gujarat and countries across the world,” Patel added.
He said the success of the summit had given Gujarat a new identity as a “Global Gateway to the Future”, while positioning the state as an important contributor to India’s industrial growth and a destination for investment, innovation, technology and international partnerships.
Patel highlighted sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green energy, digital technology, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing as areas shaping the global economy.
He said that Gujarat is creating investment opportunities across semiconductors and electronics, renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, textiles, food processing, aerospace and defence.
The Chief Minister also referred to his recent high-level delegation visits to the US and Canada, saying CEOs met during the trip had appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Gujarat’s development and its policies, while expressing interest in establishing industries and investing in the state.
“Whenever global leaders look towards partnerships with India, Gujarat naturally emerges as one of their first choices,” Patel said, adding that India had established itself as a trusted global partner.
He outlined recent state initiatives, including the Semiconductor Policy, IT & ITeS Policy, Green Hydrogen Policy, Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy and policies covering shipbuilding and ship repair.
He also highlighted the Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026, which introduced a “Choose Your Incentive” option for industries and seeks to promote more balanced development across the state.
Patel invited businesses from participating countries to establish manufacturing operations in Gujarat and contribute to the Prime Minister’s vision of “Made in India, Made for the World”.
Recalling the Prime Minister’s call that “This is the time, the right time”, he urged foreign missions to facilitate greater engagement with Gujarat and assured investors of the state government’s support.
Gujarat Chief Secretary M.K. Das said the state’s transformation had been driven by infrastructure, investor-friendly governance and a focus on future-oriented sectors.
He invited foreign missions to participate in VGGS 2027 through investment, technology partnerships, trade and knowledge exchange.
Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said ease of doing business is central to strengthening trade and commerce and went beyond business to form a foundation for wider economic partnerships.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for the summit and said the 11th edition would open new avenues for business and investment.
P.S. Gangadhar, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), said: “The summit had evolved into a global forum for India’s economic engagement, with emerging opportunities in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, GCC and advanced technologies.”
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary Mamta Verma presented Gujarat’s economic and investment profile, including its manufacturing base, export competitiveness, infrastructure and focus on advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, green energy, aerospace, innovation and services.
The state’s stated objective of becoming a $3.5 trillion economy by 2047 was also highlighted.
Foreign missions were invited to participate through country pavilions, business delegations and sectoral and investment partnerships.
Gujarat currently ranks first among large states in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026.
The state has also reported cumulative foreign direct investment inflows of $74.6 billion between January 2000 and March 2026 and has consistently ranked among the leading states in the LEADS logistics index.
The 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will be held from January 10 to 12, 2027, in Gandhinagar under the theme “Viksit Gujarat – Shaping Global Future”.
The New Delhi interaction followed the state’s recent international outreach in the US and Canada ahead of the summit.
–IANS
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