New Jersey, August 24: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, on the seventh day of his tour in the United States, called upon the Gujarati diaspora to participate in the state’s development journey during the ‘Garvi Gujarat Global New Jersey’ event.
The Chief Minister also engaged in discussions with young entrepreneurs and representatives from various sectors at the Young CEOs Meet.
Presenting Gujarat’s growth narrative to the diaspora, he highlighted that the development journey initiated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office as Chief Minister has established Gujarat as the growth engine of the country.
He stated that when Narendra Modi assumed leadership in 2001, Gujarat faced numerous challenges. The state has since overcome issues related to electricity, water, roads, and coastal areas, paving the way for new development.
Today, Gujarat plays a crucial role in the country’s economic growth. Despite comprising only about 6% of the nation’s geographical area and 5% of its population, Gujarat contributes approximately 8.2% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The goal is to increase this contribution to over 10% by 2030.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Gujarat is not only focused on current development but is also planning for the future. With the aim of creating a ‘Developed Gujarat’ by 2047, the state has prepared a special roadmap. This roadmap divides Gujarat into six zones, each with potential focus sectors, growth opportunities, and long-term development goals. Implementation of this roadmap has already begun.
He cited the example of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), which was envisioned around 2006-07 as a global finance and fintech hub. This foresight reflects Gujarat’s development vision, and today, GIFT City is gaining global recognition, benefiting not only the youth of Gujarat but the entire state.
The Chief Minister noted the growing importance of data centers in the country’s digital economy. Gujarat has proactively recognized the potential in this sector and formulated a data center policy to ensure the state leads in this area in the future.
In 2001-02, Gujarat had approximately 185,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which have now surged to around 2.79 million. The MSME sector is not only fostering entrepreneurship but also creating significant employment opportunities.
Regarding Gujarat’s contribution to the industrial and export sectors, he mentioned that the state accounts for 17% of the country’s total industrial output and 27% of total exports. Gujarat handles about 40% of the country’s cargo.
In the chemical industry, Gujarat holds a 33% share, 30% in pharmaceuticals, 50% in man-made fiber production, and 65% in denim production. The state contributes approximately 19.2% to pharmaceutical exports and about 80% to diamond exports. The Chief Minister also highlighted Gujarat’s leadership in the startup sector, as the state has ranked first in the country for the past four years.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, Gujarat’s policy framework strengthens the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World.’ He emphasized that transparency and clear policies are foundational to Gujarat’s development journey, with sector-specific policies and investor-friendly frameworks established for every sector.
To create a favorable environment for investment, industry, and employment, the new industrial policy for ‘Developed Gujarat 2026’ has been designed. This policy aims to attract various types of investors and industries.
The Chief Minister stated that a strong financial foundation is essential for development. During Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister, financial discipline and robust financial management were established, making Gujarat one of the leading states in these aspects today. The state is progressing by integrating both development and financial capability.
Inviting the Gujarati and Indian communities in the US and Canada, he mentioned the upcoming 11th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, encouraging them to take advantage of investment opportunities in Gujarat.
During the Young CEOs Meet, the Chief Minister engaged in detailed discussions with young entrepreneurs, CEOs, technology experts, and business leaders about Gujarat’s development and investment prospects. Topics included available investment opportunities, the state’s investor-friendly policies, and strong infrastructure.
The conversation with young entrepreneurs emphasized the potential in new technologies, startups, fintech, digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and other emerging sectors in Gujarat.
The Chief Minister invited all present young CEOs to explore new partnerships and investment opportunities with Gujarat, highlighting the favorable ecosystem, transparent policy framework, skilled workforce, and world-class connectivity established for industries in the state.
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