Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2025: Hardeep Puri, CR Paatil to lead Surat summit on May 1-2
Synopsis
Two Union ministers are heading to Surat for the third Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference — a two-day policy summit backed by a five-day industrial exhibition spanning 12,000 square metres, 45 international importers, 5,000+ business meetings, and a debut Mango Festival. It is South Gujarat's biggest convergence of government, enterprise, and global trade in 2025.
Key Takeaways
Hardeep Singh Puri and C.R.
Paatil will attend the third Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Surat on 1-2 May 2025 at AURO University .
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE) runs from 1 to 5 May , covering approximately 12,000 square metres .
A Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet by FIEO is expected to generate over 5,000 business meetings with more than 45 international importers .
The Udyami Mela will involve 21 government departments offering MSME loans and business facilitation support.
The inaugural Mango Festival will be held in collaboration with Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited .
General public entry is available from 3 to 5 May , daily between 10:30 am and 6 pm .
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil will attend the third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Surat on 1 and 2 May 2025, with the summit focused on accelerating development across South Gujarat. The conference will be held at AURO University and is aligned with the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat@2047'.
Conference Goals and Strategic Focus
According to officials, the VGRC aims to provide coordinated direction to regional development through convergent efforts spanning multiple sectors. The gathering is designed to bring together industry leaders, government representatives, and enterprise stakeholders to chart a roadmap for South Gujarat's growth. This marks the third edition of the regional conference series, underscoring its growing institutional significance within Gujarat's economic planning framework.
Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition: Scale and Scope
Running alongside the conference, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE) will be held at the same venue from 1 to 5 May 2025, spanning approximately 12,000 square metres. The exhibition will showcase South Gujarat's industrial strength and diverse capabilities, with participants ranging from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to large domestic corporates and global companies.
Business visitors can attend daily from 10:30 am to 6 pm, while the general public will have access from 3 to 5 May during the same hours. The exhibition is divided into three dedicated halls: Hall 1 will feature leading industrial organisations along with a dedicated Japan country pavilion highlighting bilateral industrial engagement; Hall 2 will house grassroots enterprises, a technology pavilion, a tribal haat, and more than 30 start-up stalls; and Hall 3 will present government-led regional development initiatives alongside interactive pop-up stages.
Business Facilitation and MSME Support
A key highlight is the Udyami Mela, an integrated platform involving 21 government departments offering guidance on MSME loans, facilitation support, and a range of business services. A Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet, organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), is expected to facilitate more than 5,000 structured business meetings between over 45 international importers and local sellers — a significant opportunity for South Gujarat's export-oriented MSME sector.
Cultural, Agricultural and Artisan Showcases
The event will also spotlight grassroots economic activity. A women's art and handicrafts festival and a dedicated livelihood pavilion will feature products made by self-help groups from across the state. A Swadeshi Haat will present offerings under the 'One District, One Product' initiative alongside works by award-winning artisans. The inaugural Mango Festival, organised in collaboration with the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited, will highlight the region's horticultural strengths. Cultural programmes, live demonstrations, and daily lucky draws are also scheduled to enhance visitor engagement.
What to Expect Next
With two Union ministers anchoring the conference and a five-day exhibition drawing international importers and thousands of enterprises, the VGRC 2025 is positioned as a significant catalyst for investment and enterprise in South Gujarat. Officials noted that the initiative aims to bring innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities onto a single platform, giving a new direction to regional development across the state.
Point of View
Reflecting the BJP's integrated Centre-state development messaging ahead of future electoral cycles. The Japan country pavilion is a notably specific diplomatic touch, suggesting bilateral industrial outreach is being woven into subnational forums. Whether the 5,000-plus business meetings at the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet translate into actual export contracts will be the real measure of impact.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) 2025?
The VGRC 2025 is the third edition of a regional development summit focused on South Gujarat, scheduled for 1 and 2 May 2025 at AURO University in Surat. It is aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision and brings together government, industry, and enterprise stakeholders.
Which Union ministers will attend the VGRC in Surat?
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil are scheduled to attend the conference on 1 and 2 May 2025 in Surat.
When is the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition open to the public?
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition runs from 1 to 5 May 2025. Business visitors can attend from 1 May, while general public entry is available from 3 to 5 May, daily between 10:30 am and 6 pm.
What is the Udyami Mela at the VGRC?
The Udyami Mela is an integrated platform at the VGRC involving 21 government departments. It offers MSMEs guidance on loans, facilitation support, and a range of business services under one roof.
What is the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet at the VGRC?
Organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet is expected to facilitate more than 5,000 structured business meetings between over 45 international importers and local sellers from South Gujarat.
