As a build up to the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2009’ (VGGIS) to be held on 12th & 13th January at Science City, Ahmedabad, the Industries Department of Govt. of Gujarat in partnership with CII organized a business meet in Mumbai, with the captains of the industry at Hotel Taj President, Cuffe Parade on 10th November, 2008.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Narendra Modi, CM, Gujarat said that “Gujarat is an ideal investment destination” and cited examples of the resounding success the state had on several fronts in the recent past. He said, the approach of his Government is that Development should be a Mass Movement for the Progress of the state. Proactive Governance and Policy Driven Governance have contributed significantly to the states development. The Chief Minister also reiterated his government’s commitment to the development of the state with a focused and intensive growth plan to boost the socio economic index in the years to come.

To counter the current global financial melt down situation, he urged the Prime Minister of India to be proactive and call for a round table conference of comprising of economist, industrialist, different political parties etc.

The delegation under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, included several top level state officials and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) representatives. They had an interactive session with the industry leaders and other dignitaries to discuss the infinite investment opportunities in Gujarat.

This power packed event was attended by more than 350 people including promoters of top corporate bodies and MNC heads. Some of the leading luminaries who attended the event included Mr. Adi Godrej and Mr. Jamshed Godrej of Godrej Industries, Mr. Nikhil Meswani of Relaince Industries, Mr. Vinod Mittal of Ispat Industries, Mr. Dani of Asian Paints, Mr. Nimesh Kampani of J.M. Financial, Mr. Stephan Gerlich of Bayer Group of companies, Mr. Homi Khushro Khan, M.D., Tata Chemicals, Mr. J. Joergstrassburger, M.D. Lanxess India and Mr. Naoyuki Maekawa, Director General, Jetro.

In a presentation made by Mr D Rajagopalan, Chief Secretary; Government of Gujarat, ‘he informed the august gathering about the huge investment potential in the state and advantages that accrue to the investors. He also briefed the audience about the focus sectors identified for VGGIS 09 which include Engineering and Auto, Mineral Based Industries, Textiles and Apparel, Ports, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Information Technology, Oil and Gas, Urban Infrastructure, Gems and Jewellery, Pharmaceuticals, Health Care, Food and Agri related businesses.

In his welcome address, Mr Rajesh Shah, Past President, CII congratulated the Gujarat Govt. for the resounding success of the previous three Global Investors’ Summit. He further added “That the entire business community is looking forward to the fourth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit scheduled in January 2009 in Ahmedabad.”

According to Mr U Shekhar, CMD, Galaxy Surfactants PVt Ltd ” A potential investor, Gujarat is a land of opportunities, beckoning global investors to set shop and take advantage of its enterprising business community. We are exploring possibilities of investments in Gujarat and are sure to find a profitable one.”

Also present during the event Mr Zafar Sareshwala, MD, Parsoli Group of Companies said that “Gujarat is known for its stable and business-friendly policies and a pro-active administration. Gujarat is not only an ideal investment destination in the world, but also a coveted place to live and do business.”

In his vote of thanks, Mr Banmali Agarwala, Chairman, CII (WR) said that Gujarat today is a leading industrialized state in the country, clocking an average rate of 10.4% during the last five years. Proximity to markets for selling products, availability of resources, sound infrastructure, a strong vision and above all, good governance, are some of the factors that have made Gujarat a favored destination for investment and wealth creation.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the delegation had one-to-one fruitful meetings with Mr. Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Transmission Ltd. and Mr. Ajit Gulabchand, CMD, Hindustan Construction. Mr Shashi Ruia, MD, Essar Group, Mr Anil Ambani, CMD, ADAG Group and Mr Mukesh Ambani, CMD, RIL Group,

The Gujarat Delegation had an interactive session over high tea with Consul Generals of various countries in the afternoon. Those who attended the meeting included consuls from China, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Israel and many more.

The VGGIS 2009 is a focused premier international conference, organized by Govt. of Gujarat in partnership with the CII. Aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers; the summit serves as a perfect platform to understand and explore business opportunities in the State of Gujarat

The Government of Gujarat is planning to conduct several such business trips to other parts of the country to create a build up for VGGIS.