Ahmedabad, Jan 12 (NationPress) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a range of significant events that took place in Gujarat during the Prime Minister's latest visit.

While addressing attendees at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit in Rajkot, Goyal remarked that the initiatives introduced over the previous two days symbolize a revitalized growth trajectory for the state.

“PM Modi has accomplished two crucial tasks within just two days,” he stated.

During his address at the summit, Goyal said, “I extend my congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for achieving two pivotal tasks in a span of two days. By initiating the Somnath Swabhiman Parva, he has instilled pride in Gujarat. Furthermore, by inaugurating the Saurashtra-Kutch Regional Summit in Rajkot, he has initiated a new chapter of development.”

He emphasized that such regional summits will significantly contribute to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

While Goyal refrained from commenting on the ongoing tariff disputes, he concentrated on the energy sector and Gujarat’s leadership in solar energy.

The Union Minister also took part in a seminar about the free electricity initiative, held in conjunction with the regional summit, alongside Gujarat Cabinet Ministers Rushikesh Patel and Jitu Vaghani.

During the session, he explored the transformation of India’s energy landscape over the last decade.

Pointing out the remarkable growth in renewable energy capacity, Goyal remarked, “The solar energy output that was recorded in 2014 has surged fifty-fold.”

He also commended Gujarat's trailblazing role in solar energy, referring to it as a national benchmark.

“There has consistently been a Gujarat model in the solar energy arena. I recall coming to Gujarat just ten days after I assumed the role of Energy Minister,” he acknowledged, recognizing the state’s pioneering spirit in renewable energy.

Goyal’s comments come amidst a series of prominent activities in Gujarat, highlighting the state’s persistent significance in India’s economic and energy sectors.

The Vibrant Gujarat Summit, initiated in 2003 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, began as a bold endeavor to restore investor confidence in Gujarat following the 2001 earthquake and the subsequent economic downturn.

What commenced as a state-level investment forum has evolved into one of India’s most impactful global business summits, conducted biennially and aimed at establishing Gujarat as an international nexus for trade, manufacturing, and innovation.

Over the years, it has drawn world leaders, Fortune 500 executives, global policymakers, and industry titans, resulting in substantial investments across various sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, ports, finance, and technology.