Surat: Business and industry circles in South Gujarat are optimistic ahead of the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), a two-day event beginning on Gujarat Foundation Day, with the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence.A roadshow by the Prime Minister is also being planned ahead of the conference, coinciding with state-wide celebrations following recent municipal and local body election results. The event is expected to boost investment outreach and strengthen regional industrial engagement.The conference will be held at AURO University, with officials citing the availability of both open and indoor spaces as key reasons for selecting the venue.This edition of the VGRC will focus on south and central Gujarat, with participation from 16 districts. These include Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Dang and Tapi from south Gujarat, and Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Kheda, Anand, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Mahisagar, Narmada and Panchmahal from central Gujarat.The conference aims to bring together regional industry stakeholders while creating a platform for innovation, collaboration and investment. Officials expect the outcomes to feed into the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.“The event will be important for business and industry in the region. If the Prime Minister attends, it will provide a major boost,” said Dinesh Navadiya, chairman of the Indian Diamond Institute.The programme will feature conference sessions, buyer-seller meets, business discussions and an exhibition showcasing key sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petrochemicals, information technology and green energy.“We expect new opportunities to emerge from the VGRC. If the Prime Minister is present, we hope for key announcements for the region,” said Nikhil Madrasi, president of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Similar regional conferences have already been held in Mehsana for North Gujarat and in Rajkot for the Saurashtra-Kutch region. With the south and central Gujarat edition set to begin, industry stakeholders are expecting fresh partnerships and investment opportunities.
