From GIFT City to semiconductors, Gujarat CM pitches state’s growth story to US diaspora

New Jersey, Aug 23 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday called on the Gujarati diaspora in the United States to partner in the state’s development and invest in the state, presenting a long-term roadmap aimed at making the state a developed economy by 2047.

Addressing the ‘Garvi Gujarat Global New Jersey’ programme on the seventh day of his US visit, Patel said Gujarat’s development would contribute to the broader goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and invited the Indian-American community to participate in the state’s next phase of growth.

His outreach comes ahead of the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, with his US engagements also focused on strengthening trade, investment and technology links between Gujarat and the United States.

“Gujarat had emerged as a key driver of India’s economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” he said.

Recalling the situation when PM Modi became Gujarat’s chief minister in 2001, he said the state had faced challenges involving electricity, water, roads and coastal development, and that efforts were subsequently undertaken to put the state on a new development path.

“Gujarat, which accounts for around six per cent of India’s geographical area and about five per cent of its population, contributes approximately 8.2 per cent to the country’s GDP,” Patel said.

The state has set a target of raising its contribution to more than 10 per cent by 2030.

The Chief Minister said Gujarat had prepared a roadmap for becoming a Viksit Gujarat by 2047, dividing the state into six zones and identifying key sectors, growth opportunities and long-term development targets for each. “Implementation of the roadmap has begun,” he said.

Patel cited GIFT City as an example of long-term planning, saying the vision to develop it as a global financial and fintech hub was conceived in 2006-07.

He said Gujarat had also recognised the growing importance of data centres to the digital economy and introduced a dedicated policy to strengthen its position in the sector.

“The number of MSMEs in Gujarat had risen from around 1.85 lakh in 2001–02 to approximately 27.9 lakh, creating employment opportunities alongside promoting entrepreneurship,” he emphasised.

He added, “The state accounts for about 17 per cent of India’s manufacturing output, 27 per cent of its exports and around 40 per cent of the country’s cargo.”

Gujarat also accounts for approximately 33 per cent of India’s chemical industry, 30 per cent of pharmaceuticals, nearly 50 per cent of man-made fibre production and around 65 per cent of denim production.

It contributes about 19.2 per cent of India’s pharmaceutical exports and nearly 80 per cent of diamond exports.

Patel said Gujarat had retained the top position in the state startup rankings for four consecutive years. He attributed the state’s investment appeal to transparent policies, sound finances, sector-specific policies and an investor-friendly framework.

“The new Industrial Policy for ‘Viksit Gujarat-2026’ has created a more favourable environment for investment, industry and employment in the State,” Patel said.

He added that financial discipline and sound financial management were important foundations for development and said, “Gujarat is pursuing economic growth alongside financial strength”.

Patel also invited the Gujarati and wider Indian communities in the US and Canada to visit Gujarat and explore investment opportunities ahead of the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

His wider US outreach has included meetings with investors, financial institutions, manufacturing leaders, young entrepreneurs and representatives of the Global Capability Centre sector.

At the Young CEO Meet in New Jersey, Patel interacted with young entrepreneurs, CEOs, technology experts and business leaders from different sectors.

Discussions covered investment opportunities, Gujarat’s policy framework and infrastructure, as well as sectors including startups, fintech, artificial intelligence, data centres, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and other emerging technologies.

He invited young business leaders to explore partnerships and investment opportunities in Gujarat, highlighting the state’s skilled workforce, connectivity and industry ecosystem.

On the same day, Patel visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey, where he was welcomed by BAPS saints. He toured the complex and appreciated its representation of Indian culture and spiritual traditions, as well as the efforts of Gujarati and Indian communities to preserve Indian cultural values overseas.

The Chief Minister’s New Jersey engagements formed part of his wider investment outreach in North America ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, with the focus on attracting capital, technology partnerships and deeper business ties between Gujarat and the US.

–IANS

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