JP Nadda, CR Patil address VGRC-South Gujarat closing session in Surat
Synopsis
The third edition of VGRC-South Gujarat wrapped up in Surat with Union Ministers JP Nadda and CR Patil headlining the valedictory session. With country-specific sessions by Japan, Ukraine, and Russia, a regional MSME conclave, and a 12,000 sq metre exhibition running till 5 May, the event signals South Gujarat's growing pitch as a multi-sector investment hub aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Key Takeaways
Patil addressed the concluding session of VGRC-South Gujarat in Surat on 2 May 2025 .
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel released the book 'South Gujarat – The Industrial Catalyst' at the valedictory session.
The two-day conference covered sectors including textiles, chemicals, petrochemicals, nuclear energy, green hydrogen, and women's empowerment.
Country-specific sessions were organised by Japan , Ukraine , and the Trade Representation of Russia in India .
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition runs from 1 to 5 May across 12,000 square metres , featuring the Vendor Development Programme, International RBSM, and Udyami Mela.
Districts covered include Bharuch, Dang, Navsari, Surat, Tapi , and Valsad .
Union Minister of Health J.P. Nadda and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil addressed the concluding session of the third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) – South Gujarat in Surat on Saturday, 2 May. The two-day event brought together senior political leaders, diplomats, and industry representatives to accelerate regional investment and global partnerships for South Gujarat.
Valedictory Session Highlights
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel released a book titled 'South Gujarat – The Industrial Catalyst' at the valedictory session, marking a key programme milestone. State Finance Minister Kanu Desai delivered the opening address at the concluding session, which also featured participation from industrialist Dr. Faruk Patel, Rwanda's High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira, and Ukraine's Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk.
How the Conference Began
The two-day event commenced on Friday at Auro University, where Chief Minister Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the proceedings. Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Minister C.R. Patil were also present at the inaugural session. Sanghavi welcomed delegates from partner countries and various organisations, presenting the vision of the conference in a session titled 'South Gujarat as a Growth Centre'. He stated that
Point of View
However, will be how many of the investment commitments made across these sectoral seminars translate into on-ground projects in districts like Dang and Tapi, which have historically lagged behind Surat in industrial absorption.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) – South Gujarat?
VGRC-South Gujarat is a regional edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, aimed at attracting sector-specific investments and strengthening global partnerships for the South Gujarat region. The 2025 edition was the third such conference, held on 1 and 2 May in Surat at Auro University.
Who were the key speakers at the VGRC-South Gujarat 2025 concluding session?
Union Minister of Health J.P. Nadda and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil addressed the concluding session. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel released a book at the valedictory, while State Finance Minister Kanu Desai delivered the opening address of the final session.
Which sectors were covered at VGRC-South Gujarat 2025?
The conference hosted seminars on agriculture, horticulture, textiles, chemicals, petrochemicals, startups, nuclear energy, fertilisers, natural gas, women's empowerment, gems and jewellery, aerospace and defence, green energy, green hydrogen, ecotourism, and urban economic zone development.
Which countries participated in VGRC-South Gujarat 2025?
Japan and Ukraine organised country-specific sessions, while the Trade Representation of Russia in India also held a dedicated session. Rwanda's High Commissioner and Ukraine's Ambassador were present at the concluding session.
What is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition associated with VGRC-South Gujarat?
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition runs from 1 to 5 May 2025 across 12,000 square metres at a single venue in Surat. It includes the Vendor Development Programme, International Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM), and Udyami Mela, with participation from industries, MSMEs, startups, and government departments across six South Gujarat districts.
