Junagadh, Jan 4 (NationPress) In preparation for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot, a local edition of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative in Junagadh culminated in the signing of 218 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) which encompass a total investment of Rs 1,209 crore. This effort is designed to enhance industrial growth and create job opportunities within the district.

The event, presided over by the Gujarat Social Justice and Empowerment Minister and Junagadh district in-charge Pradyuman Vaja, convened various industrialists, young entrepreneurs, sector specialists, and officials to identify investment avenues across a variety of sectors.

Agreements were made in fields such as healthcare, educational institutions focused on Sanskrit and traditional methodologies, tourism, resorts, infrastructure, agro and food processing, engineering, minerals, and mining.

According to the information shared during the event, 102 MoUs valued at approximately Rs 281 crore were executed in agro, food processing, and dairy sectors, 55 MoUs worth Rs 144 crore in engineering and technology, 41 MoUs amounting to Rs 403 crore in minerals and mining, Rs 114 crore in tourism, and Rs 175 crore in infrastructure projects.

Officials indicated that these proposed investments are anticipated to create extensive job opportunities and bolster Junagadh's presence in both national and international markets.

During his address, Minister Pradyuman Vaja remarked that the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, initiated in 2003, has transformed into a solid platform for development, extending its influence down to district-level investment facilitation.

He emphasized that Junagadh's natural resources—spanning mountains, forests, and coastline, alongside its cultural and spiritual heritage—provide a sturdy basis for industrial and tourism-led growth.

He highlighted the significance of the Girnar Ropeway in enhancing tourism, stating that the presence of the Asiatic Lion has granted Gujarat international recognition.

Minister Vaja noted that products such as seafood, spices, food processing items, and machinery from Junagadh are already reaching global markets, aided by industrial clusters in plastics, engineering, seafood, and agro-processing.

He added that infrastructure projects, including Vande Bharat train services, the expansion of Keshod Airport, national highways, and GIDC industrial estates, have fortified the district's industrial ecosystem.

District Collector Anilkumar Ranavasiya, in his keynote address, mentioned that Junagadh's agriculture-centric economy is being enhanced by focused efforts to broaden agro-processing, providing farmers better returns for their produce.

He pointed out the national demand for Kesar mangoes and Jamun varieties from the district and invited investors to explore opportunities in religious and tourism-based projects.

Ranavasiya announced that the runway of Keshod Airport is being extended from 1.5 km to nearly 2.5 km, which will improve cargo handling, support coastal Saurashtra, and boost tourist numbers.

He also declared that 22 hectares of land have been designated to enhance the seafood industry, expected to generate significant employment.

Junagadh Municipal Corporation Standing Committee Chairperson Pallavi Thakkar stated that various measures have been taken to promote youth entrepreneurship and foster job creation.

Sanjay Purohit, Secretary of the Junagadh Chamber of Commerce, characterized the district-level program as result-oriented, recognizing the expansion of agro-processing units and the district's substantial potential in tourism.

The event featured the symbolic distribution of assistance cheques under initiatives such as the Vajpayee Bankable Yojana.

An exhibition displaying locally produced goods was inaugurated, becoming a prominent highlight of the program.

Seminars on artificial intelligence, startups, and innovation were conducted alongside the main event, with speakers Dharmendra Joshi and Jatin Katariya discussing the role of technology and innovation in contemporary entrepreneurship.

The program saw participation from local elected officials, senior bureaucrats, members of industrial associations, representatives from the hotel, gems and jewellery, GIDC, and chamber bodies, as well as students and aspiring entrepreneurs.