Gir Somnath district took a decisive step toward the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision as a district-level Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) was held at Asopalav Lawns in Veraval, drawing strong participation from investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and local stakeholders. The conference, part of the larger Kutch–Saurashtra Regional Conference, showcased the district’s economic strengths and future-ready development roadmap.
The event culminated in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹270 crore with multiple industrial units, underlining growing investor confidence in the region. These investments are expected to accelerate industrial activity and create new employment opportunities, particularly for local youth.
Addressing the gathering, District Panchayat President Manjula Muchhar highlighted the evolution of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, calling it a global investment platform that began as a bold idea under then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. She emphasised Gir Somnath’s unique economic identity, noting that fisheries and Kesar mango, promoted under the ‘One District, One Product’ initiative, are central to the district’s growth strategy.
Dholera Special Investment Region CEO Kuldeep Arya said the decentralised format of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit has brought investment conversations closer to districts. He pointed out that Gujarat’s focus on sustainable infrastructure, skilled manpower and advanced manufacturing has positioned the state as a preferred destination for industries. He also referred to India’s next 15 years as a defining phase, with projects like the semiconductor manufacturing facility at Dholera shaping the future of high-end manufacturing.
Collector N. V. Upadhyay said the conference was designed not only to attract capital but also to identify sector-specific opportunities for Gir Somnath, from fisheries and food processing to horticulture and value-added agriculture. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to actively engage with investors and policy experts to scale their businesses.
Local MLA Vimal Chudasama highlighted the district’s natural advantages, including its long coastline, fertile Kesar mango belt, coconut plantations and diversified cropping patterns. He added that natural farming practices are boosting farm incomes and expressed confidence that industrial growth would translate into sustainable livelihoods for the region’s youth.
During the event, financial assistance was also distributed to beneficiaries under welfare schemes such as the Vajpayee Bankable Scheme and the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme. The conference featured thematic seminars on entrepreneurship, frozen food and dehydration technology, seafood processing, central agricultural policies, IPO readiness and the use of artificial intelligence to expand businesses, along with an industrial exhibition showcasing local innovation.
