CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Surat
Synopsis
The third VGRC South Gujarat edition in Surat brings the state's marquee investment summit model to a regional stage, with Japan, Rwanda, Ukraine, and Singapore as partner nations and the full state cabinet in attendance — signalling Gujarat's push to sustain investment momentum between its flagship global summits.
Key Takeaways
CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the third VGRC – South Gujarat at Auro University, Surat on 1 May 2025 .
The two-day event runs 1–2 May and covers sectors including textiles, chemicals, energy, startups, and agri-horticulture.
Partner nations include Japan , Rwanda , Ukraine , and Singapore ; partner organisations include JETRO , USISPF , AMCHAM , and KOTRA .
The entire Gujarat cabinet , Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri , and Union Minister C.R.
Patil attended the inaugural session.
The VGRE exhibition runs alongside, featuring industries, MSMEs, and startups from Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi , and Dang .
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on 1 May 2025 inaugurated the third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) – South Gujarat in Surat, launching a two-day event designed to accelerate regional industrial growth, attract investment, and deepen global collaboration. The conference is being held at Auro University, Surat on 1–2 May.
Key Dignitaries and Attendees
The inaugural session was attended by the entire Gujarat state cabinet, along with Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil. Representatives from partner countries and senior industry leaders also participated in the opening proceedings.
Countries including Japan, Rwanda, Ukraine, and Singapore are associated as partner nations for the South Gujarat edition. International organisations such as JETRO, USISPF, AMCHAM, and KOTRA are also part of the collaboration framework.
Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition
Running alongside the conference is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE), which brings together industries, MSMEs, startups, and government departments from districts across South Gujarat — including Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, and Dang. Chief Minister Patel toured the pavilions and stalls, interacting with industrialists and startup founders, and gathered information on new technologies, green energy, modern agricultural methods, and emerging service-sector models.
He encouraged greater private-sector and youth participation, describing their role as
Point of View
Making international partner engagement here more than ceremonial. The presence of the full state cabinet alongside two Union ministers signals that this is being treated as a policy event, not merely a trade show. The real measure will be how many of the B2B and B2G meetings translate into grounded investment commitments rather than MoU headlines.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC)?
The VGRC is a regional investment and industry conference organised by the Gujarat government to replicate the model of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at the district and regional level. The South Gujarat edition, now in its third year, is being held in Surat on 1–2 May 2025 at Auro University.
Which countries are partner nations at VGRC South Gujarat 2025?
Japan, Rwanda, Ukraine, and Singapore are the partner nations for the South Gujarat edition. International organisations including JETRO, USISPF, AMCHAM, and KOTRA are also participating in the collaboration framework.
What sectors are being covered at the Surat conference?
The conference features seminars, panel discussions, and roundtables on agriculture and horticulture, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, startups, energy, fertilisers, and global supply chains. Special sessions on women's empowerment and country-specific business opportunities are also on the agenda.
Who attended the inauguration of VGRC South Gujarat 2025?
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the event. The entire Gujarat state cabinet was present, along with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil. Industry leaders and representatives from partner countries also attended.
What is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE)?
The VGRE runs alongside the conference and brings together industries, MSMEs, startups, and government departments from South Gujarat districts including Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Tapi, and Dang. CM Patel toured the exhibition and interacted with industrialists and startup representatives.
