Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday, 3 September called on domestic and international investors to treat Gujarat not merely as a project destination but as a 'trusted partner' in long-term growth, as he pitched the state at a Mumbai roadshow ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2027. Addressing Consuls General, foreign mission representatives, and senior industry figures, Patel formally invited participants to the summit, scheduled from 10 to 12 January 2027.

The Core Pitch

Patel anchored his address around a three-part call to action: 'Come to Gujarat – Grow in Gujarat – Grow with Gujarat.' He assured investors that the state government would back new investments and ideas at every stage of development.

'Make Gujarat not just a destination for projects or industrial units, but a trusted partner in your future growth. Come to Gujarat with new ideas and new investments; the State Government is ready to support you at every step. We are transforming every policy in Gujarat into ground realities,' he said.

He traced the Vibrant Gujarat Summit's origins to 2003, when the series was launched under then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, crediting successive editions with transforming the state into what he described as an industrial powerhouse and a 'global gateway to the future.'

Sectors and Infrastructure Highlights

Patel said Gujarat was moving beyond conventional industrial growth, positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and green manufacturing. He pointed to the state's infrastructure advantages — its coastline, ports, Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, GIFT City, and its MSME ecosystem and skilled workforce.

Gujarat Chief Secretary M.K. Das added that the state handled around 40 per cent of India's total cargo, underscoring its logistical centrality to national trade.

Key Economic Numbers

According to figures cited by Patel, Gujarat contributes 8.2 per cent of India's GDP, 17 per cent of its manufacturing output, and 25 per cent of merchandise exports. The state is targeting a USD 3.5 trillion economy by 2047 under its 'Viksit Gujarat @2047' vision.

Citing a Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation report, Patel noted that Rajkot, Surat, and Ahmedabad had recorded the highest self-employment rates in the country. He also referenced India's reported 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026-27, calling the Mumbai roadshow significant in advancing the 'Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai' vision.

Policy Stability and Business Climate

Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department Mamta Verma said Gujarat's historic maritime links had evolved into a role in global supply chains, with capabilities now extending into semiconductors and future technologies. She highlighted industry-oriented policies and an investment-friendly environment as key differentiators.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chairman R. Mukundan said investor confidence in Gujarat had strengthened due to policy stability, prompt government responses, and continued industry engagement. He praised the state's efforts to position itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing and emerging sectors.

Patel also stressed Gujarat's record of labour peace, zero man-days lost, and a strong law and order situation — factors he identified as structural advantages for long-term investors. He noted that four Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences had been held as part of the run-up to VGGS 2027, with six Economic Regional Master Plans under preparation to promote balanced regional development.

Mumbai-Gujarat Economic Corridor

Patel underlined the longstanding economic ties between Mumbai and Gujarat, arguing that the two regions had the potential to develop into one of Asia's most powerful economic corridors. He urged existing investors to expand operations in Gujarat and invited new investors to establish a presence, assuring them of government support across industrial growth, employment, trade, and business.

With VGGS 2027 less than five months away, the Mumbai roadshow signals the state's intent to secure high-value commitments well before the summit opens its doors in Gandhinagar.