Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a major regional business summit in Gujarat next week, focusing on driving investments into the state's western regions. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) dedicated to the Kutch and Saurashtra region will be formally launched by the PM on January 11 in Rajkot city.
A Grand Platform for Regional Growth
This two-day conference, scheduled for January 11 and 12, will be hosted at the premises of Marwadi University in Rajkot. The event aims to showcase the emerging economic, industrial, and cultural opportunities specifically within the Kutch and Saurashtra area. State Agriculture Minister and government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani confirmed the details, noting that preparations are in full swing.
Vaghani revealed that over 6,000 participants have already registered for the grand event. The conference is expected to draw a significant international crowd, with delegates and business leaders from 21 different countries confirming their participation. This highlights the global interest in the region's potential.
Strategic Focus and Event Structure
The core objective of this regional summit is twofold: to highlight the inherent strengths of the Kutch and Saurashtra region and to channel new investments into its economy. A key focus will also be on finding global markets for local products manufactured in the area.
The entire conference and accompanying exhibition will sprawl across a massive 26,400 square metres. Attendees can expect a packed agenda featuring:
- B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2G (Business-to-Government) meetings.
- A large-scale exhibition showcasing regional industries and products.
- Sector-specific seminars delving into key growth areas.
- Reverse buyer-seller meets to connect local producers with international buyers.
Part of a Larger Vision for Gujarat
This conference in Rajkot is the second in a series of four planned regional conferences. The first VGRC for the north Gujarat region was successfully held in October 2025. These regional events are strategic precursors to the flagship 11th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, slated for 2027. The last global summit was held in 2024.
The state government's plan involves organizing these four VGRCs across Gujarat's different regions to ensure comprehensive development and investment outreach. Following the Rajkot event, similar conferences for south Gujarat and the central parts of the state are planned for later this year.
The inauguration by Prime Minister Modi underscores the national importance placed on Gujarat's continued economic growth and its role as a major investment destination. The Rajkot conference is poised to put the Kutch and Saurashtra region firmly on the map for domestic and international investors.
