Gandhinagar, Nov 20 (NationPress) The second Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) aims to highlight the swiftly evolving economic, industrial, and cultural prospects in the Kutch and Saurashtra regions of western Gujarat. This event is crafted to catalyze investments and is anticipated to enhance Gujarat's growth trajectory while fostering inclusive and sustainable development across these areas, as indicated by officials on Thursday.

The conference will emphasize investment opportunities in crucial sectors such as ceramics, engineering, ports and logistics, fisheries, petrochemicals, agriculture and food processing, minerals, green energy, skill development, startups, MSMEs, tourism and culture.

At its core, VGRC is designed to stimulate industrial growth while ensuring that the advantages of development are accessible to the populace in Saurashtra and Kutch. The largest district in India, Kutch, stands as a pivotal industrial and trade hub supported by outstanding infrastructure and unparalleled port connectivity.

With two of India's largest ports — Kandla and Mundra — the district acts as a significant entry point for international trade. Its livestock economy, flourishing industrial sectors, vibrant tourism, petrochemical activities, and over 32 GW of renewable energy capacity position Kutch as one of India's most attractive investment spots. Morbi, recognized as the 'Ceramic Capital of India', is home to more than 900 manufacturing units that produce tiles, sanitaryware, and vitrified products for both domestic and global markets.

Jamnagar, dubbed as India's 'Brass City', supports over 15,000 brass-related enterprises and hosts the largest refinery in Asia.

The district's high-value fruit production, including mangoes, guavas, and pomegranates, has fostered a thriving agro-industrial ecosystem.

Rajkot, the third-largest district in Gujarat, is a national center for machine tool production. With a robust culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, its MSME sector has thrived. The traditional crafts of Rajkot, like bandhni and ajrakh, along with its folk music, enrich the cultural landscape and support local creative industries.

Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is a vital center for fisheries, mineral processing, and handicrafts, and is home to India's largest caustic soda plant.

Devbhumi Dwarka, linked to the legacy of Lord Krishna, hosts Tata Chemicals' significant soda ash facility in Mithapur and benefits from the Okha port, which supports fisheries and mineral trade.

Bhavnagar leads the nation in onion production and is also home to Alang — the world's largest ship-breaking yard. Botad is emerging as a new industrial and cultural hub. Surendranagar is recognized for its production of cotton, fennel, and salt, as well as its traditional Tangaliya and bandhni weaving.

These districts blend ecological wealth with economic opportunities. With agro-processing industries, the Gir wildlife sanctuary, the Girnar mountain, and extensive horticulture, the region holds promise in food processing and eco-tourism. Amreli is home to India's first private port at Pipavav, which manages bulk and container cargo for both domestic and international markets.

This district is also growing in agriculture, food processing, and cement industries. Scheduled for January 8–9, 2026, in Rajkot, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference embodies the commitment of the Gujarat Government to foster regional development and attract long-term investments.

With a focus on future-ready industries, skill enhancement, and innovation, Kutch and Saurashtra are poised to play a pivotal role in realizing the Viksit Gujarat – Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.