Vadodara, June 29 (IANS) The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Central Gujarat is scheduled to begin on Monday in Vadodara, bringing together policymakers, international partners and industry leaders for a two-day engagement aimed at strengthening regional investment and development linkages.

The conference is being held on June 29 and 30, at GSFC University. It will be attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other senior officials, alongside representatives from partner countries and global industry bodies.

The programme opens with the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE) this morning, followed by the inaugural session.

The sessions will feature addresses by state leadership and participation from diplomatic representatives and business leaders.

Officials have stated that the conference is designed as a platform for investment promotion, regional industrial growth and international cooperation.

Japan, Rwanda, the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine are participating as partner countries.

A range of international and industry organisations, including the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), US-India Business Council (USIBC), Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC), AMCHAM India, Federation of European Business in India (FEBI), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), UAE-India Business Council (UIBC), FINCHAM India, the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), are also engaged as partner organisations.

The conference will focus on sectors including semiconductors and electronics, information technology and IT-enabled services, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defence, fintech, automobiles and auto components, dairy and food processing, chemicals and petrochemicals, green energy, education, tourism, startups, MSMEs and skill development.

The regional framework covers the development potential of 10 districts in central Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Gandhinagar, Kheda, Mahisagar, Narmada, Panchmahal and Vadodara.

The programme includes thematic discussions on emerging technologies, industrial ecosystems, agriculture and food processing, women entrepreneurship and tourism among other areas.

Officials have described the conference as part of a wider strategy to advance regional industrial development and strengthen global linkages in line with long-term economic planning.

The discussions are expected to explore investment opportunities and sector-specific collaborations across Central Gujarat.

–IANS

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