Gandhinagar, Dec 16 (NationPress) In a bid to actualize the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, a district-level Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) was held at Asopalav Lawns in Veraval, Gir Somnath district, marking a significant event of the Kutch-Saurashtra Regional Conference.

The gathering led to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) totaling over Rs 270 crore with various industrial entities, affirming the commitment of investors towards enhancing industrial growth and job creation in the district.

While addressing attendees, District Panchayat President Manjula Muchhar remarked that the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, initially envisioned by former Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has flourished from a mere concept into a prominent global investment platform. She emphasized Gir Somnath’s advantages, highlighting key products such as fish and Kesar mango under the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) initiative.

With about 120 industrial units currently operating in Veraval, she pointed out the district's vast potential in agriculture, coconut production, and allied fields, complemented by its rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) CEO Kuldeep Arya stated that the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, initiated two decades ago, has established Gujarat as a favored hub for industries. He mentioned that this year, the state has opted for a decentralized approach by hosting regional conferences across four zones.

Following the Mehsana regional conference, the next VGRC is set to occur in Rajkot from January 10 to 12, 2026, which includes the Veraval district-level summit. He underscored the upcoming 15 years as critical for India, citing rapid advancements in sustainable infrastructure, skilled workforce availability, and the country’s drive towards high-end manufacturing, specifically mentioning the forthcoming semiconductor chip manufacturing project at Dholera.

Collector N.V. Upadhyay indicated that the summit's goals extend beyond attracting investments to also pinpoint sector-specific growth prospects in Gir Somnath, ranging from mango cultivation to fisheries.

He encouraged local entrepreneurs to capitalize on the insights gained during the summit to explore new opportunities and contribute to both district and state advancement. MLA Vimal Chudasama highlighted the district’s natural resources, including its coastline, Kesar mango orchards, coconut groves, and diverse crops. He expressed optimism that industrial expansion would yield increased employment for local youth.

During the conference, MoUs worth Rs 271 crore were executed, reflecting robust investor confidence in the district. Additionally, financial support amounting to Rs 1,07,260 was allocated to beneficiaries under the Vajpayee Bankable Scheme and the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme.

The event also hosted thematic seminars focused on entrepreneurship, frozen foods, dehydration technology, seafood processing machinery, agricultural central policies, IPO facilitation, and leveraging artificial intelligence for business growth.

Moreover, an exhibition was organized to showcase handicrafts, handlooms, food processing products, natural farming outputs, horticulture, and services from various departments. Before the conference commenced, dignitaries visited the stalls to interact with exhibitors and learn about local innovations.