Surat, May 2 (IANS) Union Minister Health J.P. Nadda and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil are addressing the concluding session of the third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) – South Gujarat, being held on Saturday in Surat.

The two-day event draws to a close with participation from senior political leadership, diplomats and industry representatives.

On the occasion, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is releasing the book titled ‘South Gujarat – The Industrial Catalyst’, marking a key programme highlight of the valedictory session.

The conference began on Friday at Auro University, where Chief Minister Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the event and addressed the inaugural session.

Sanghavi welcomed delegates from partner countries and various organisations and noted the presence of Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Minister C.R. Patil during the opening proceedings.

In his presentation titled ‘South Gujarat as a Growth Centre’, Sanghavi highlighted the role of policy implementation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Patel, stating that “VGRC is aimed at accelerating regional industrial development, attracting sector-specific investments and strengthening global partnerships in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047”.

At the concluding session, State Finance Minister Kanu Desai is delivering the opening address.

The programme also includes participation from industrialist Dr. Faruk Patel, Rwanda’s High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira and Ukraine’s Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk.

Over the two-day conference, VGRC-South Gujarat has hosted sectoral seminars and discussions covering agriculture, horticulture, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, startups, nuclear energy, fertilisers, natural gas and women’s empowerment.

Country-specific sessions were also organised by Japan and Ukraine.

The second day features the Regional MSME Conclave, focussing on sectors including gems and jewellery, circular economy, skill development, aerospace and Defence, fisheries and cooperatives, green energy and green hydrogen, ecotourism and urban economic zone development.

A session organised by the Trade Representation of Russia in India is also part of the programme.

Alongside the conference, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition is being held from May 1 to 5 across 12,000 square metres at a single venue.

It includes initiatives such as the Vendor Development Programme, International Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) and Udyami Mela, with participation from industries, MSMEs, startups and government departments across Bharuch, Dang, Navsari, Surat, Tapi and Valsad districts.

–IANS

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