Gujarat invites US industry to join in India's transformation

A delegation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat has invited US industry to be part of India's growth story as the new Indian government is focused on industry, business and investments.

"With Modi's firm belief in minimum government and maximum governance, India is bound to rise, opening up tremendous opportunities for everyone," said Bharat Lal, resident commissioner of Gujarat, leading a "Vibrant Gujarata" delegation at an investor event here Monday.

The visiting delegation made a pitch for India at the industry roundtable jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and US-India Business Council to highlight the positive investment and business climate in Gujarat.

India's Ambassador to the US, S. Jaishanker, highlighted the new government's efforts at bringing centrality to business, human development initiatives, focus on manufacturing, skills development, enabling modern infrastructure, building a viable rural economy and urbanisation.

Lal said with the government focused on implementation, facilitating the ease of doing business, removing impediments to growth and overcoming developmental challenges, Gujarat presents a model of inclusive growth and development.

It has emerged as a hub for manufacturing, knowledge sharing, auto components, pharmaceuticals, financial services, power and now aims to be the education and defence manufacturing hub of India, he said.

Ford and Abbott laboratories provided insights into their rich and fruitful experience in Gujarat, highlighting the welcoming state governmental initiatives, ease of doing business, developed infrastructure and its rich talent pool.

"Gujarat is a model for the rest of the world to follow, capital and investments look for the warmest homes possible. Thank you Gujarat for providing us that home," said Ziad Ojakli, Ford Group vice-president of government affairs and community relations.

Ford also announced setting up of their biggest manufacturing plant in Gujarat that would become their base for export in the region.

Lal invited US industry members to attend Vibrant Gujarat 2015 and be part of India's transformational, brave and positive growth story with Gujarat leading the way.

The Gujarat government's biennial global business event brings together business leaders, policy, and opinion makers from around the globe and provides a platform to showcase their strength and highlight business opportunities.

The 7th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is projected as a "Global Investor Forum" and is scheduled for Jan 11-13, 2015, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The partner countries for Vibrant Gujarat 2015 are Canada, Australia, Britain, Netherlands, South Africa, Japan and Singapore.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)