Categories: Current AffairsSummits and Conferences

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2025 Kicks Off in Mehsana

In a major push toward balanced regional development, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the first-ever Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Mehsana district on October 9, 2025. The two-day conference, held at Ganpat University, Kherva, focuses on highlighting the industrial strengths and investment potential of North Gujarat, under the theme “Regional Aspirations, Global Ambitions.” This regional edition builds upon the global success of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003 to position Gujarat as India’s premier business hub.

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2025

The VGRC inaugural ceremony witnessed participation from key national and international dignitaries including,

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan
IAF Group Captain and Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
Ambassadors and global delegates from multiple countries
Industry leaders and representatives of global organizations

The presence of such dignitaries underscores Gujarat’s increasing importance in global economic and technological corridors.

Showcasing North Gujarat’s Economic Potential

Chief Minister Patel emphasized that the VGRC platform aims to translate the Prime Minister’s vision of “Vocal for Local and Local for Global” into action. He highlighted that,

Over 7,100 MoUs were signed during Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024 for North Gujarat
72% of these projects (over 5,000) have already been commissioned
Gujarat has attracted USD 68.9 billion in FDI over 24 years
The state contributes 18% to India’s total industrial output

The current VGRC focuses on industries such as renewable energy, dairy, and food processing, sectors in which North Gujarat holds traditional strength and emerging opportunity.

MoUs and Investment Commitments

On Day 1 of the summit, the state signed 22 new MoUs to bolster investments in the region. The conference also included,

An expansive trade show and exhibition showcasing regional industrial capabilities
Participation from local entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and global investors
These collaborations signal Gujarat’s strategy of using region-specific engagement to attract targeted investment and support sustainable, inclusive development.

Regional Economic Master Plans for Future Growth

The CM unveiled the Regional Economic Master Plan, which spans six strategic economic zones,

North Gujarat
Central Gujarat
Kutch
Saurashtra
Coastal Saurashtra
Surat

These master plans collectively aim to,

Scale Gujarat’s economy from USD 280 billion (FY 2023) to USD 3.5 trillion
Attract over ₹15 lakh crore (USD 200 billion) in public-private investment
Launch 500+ projects across diverse sectors
Create 28 million new employment opportunities

Additionally, Regional Skilling Centres and Centres of Excellence will be established, focusing on Green Skills, AI, Logistics, and Blue Economy to train youth in future-ready domains.