Gandhinagar: The next edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) will be held in Vadodara in the last week of June 2026, with a focus on the Central Gujarat region. The region comprises a total of 10 districts Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Chhota Udepur, Narmada and Mahisagar which contribute around 28 per cent to Gujarat’s total manufacturing output, a press release said.

Central Gujarat today has a strong presence in sectors including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing and electronics. As per the Annual Survey of Industries 2022–23, the region contributed 93 per cent of the state’s other transport equipment manufacturing output, while the auto and auto components sector accounted for 92 per cent. Central Gujarat has also performed well in the manufacturing of beverages, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment.

As per the government note, about 62% of Gujarat’s total area falls under the purview of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), making the state an ideal destination for investors. Two important projects in Central Gujarat that are giving impetus to the development of this corridor are progressing at various stages, the 5,560-acre Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) and the 2,849-acre Mandal-Becharaji Special Investment Region (MBSIR).

Each district of the Central Gujarat region has its own unique identity and industrial strength. Vadodara’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector accounts for 61% of the district’s total output. Ahmedabad is growing rapidly in auto and auto components (18%), textiles (15%), basic metals (13%) and pharmaceuticals (9%). Gandhinagar’s manufacturing sector is driven by food processing (18%), basic metals (17%) and chemicals (14%). The region is witnessing rapid growth in the electronics and fintech sectors due to the presence of GIFT City and educational institutions in the state capital, Gandhinagar.

Anand’s manufacturing sector is mainly based on agro and dairy processing (50%) and chemicals (12%). Panchmahal is creating new opportunities in auto components (23%), rubber and plastics (19%) and pharmaceuticals (15%). Rubber and plastic products (23%) and food processing (22%) are the major contributors to Kheda’s industrial output. The food processing sector accounts for the highest share of 92% in Narmada’s production, while the agro and food processing sector contributes 56% in Chhota Udepur and the food processing sector contributes 48% in Dahod.

The press release further stated that the total export value of Central Gujarat reached $20.54 billion during the financial year 2024–25, expanding the region’s trade reach to more than 219 countries worldwide. The pharmaceutical sector remained at the top of the export list with $3.67 billion (17.8%), followed by nuclear reactors, boilers and machinery at $2.79 billion (13.6%), electrical machinery and equipment at $1.79 billion (8.7%), road vehicles and their parts at $1.47 billion (7%), organic chemicals at $1.45 billion (7%), and dyeing, tanning and colouring materials at $1.03 billion (5%).

The USA emerged as the largest market for Central Gujarat’s exports with a share of 23.8% ($4.88 billion), followed by the UAE (7.3%), Thailand (3%), the UK (2.8%) and Saudi Arabia (2.7%).

The upcoming VGRC (Central Gujarat) will focus on sectors such as semiconductors and electronics, IT and ITeS, biotech, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defence, fintech, auto and auto components, dairy and food processing, education, chemicals and petrochemicals, textiles and apparel, green energy ecosystems, skill development, startups, MSMEs, and tourism and culture.

Development of tourism potential

Tourism and culture have also been given special importance in VGRC to further accelerate the region’s economic development. With world-class tourist destinations like the Statue of Unity and the promotion of heritage tourism, Central Gujarat is moving towards attracting international tourists and boosting local economic activities.

Central Gujarat has a wide variety of spiritual, historical and archaeological heritage. Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh in Panchmahal are attracting global tourists.

In addition, places like the Statue of Unity, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary and the Pavagadh Hill Corridor further strengthen the region’s importance for eco-tourism and experiential tourism. The region is also emerging as an important hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism due to modern facilities like Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

VGRC: A successful model

The government stated that the previous three editions of VGRC have been a resounding success. The conference brought together industrialists, investors, policymakers and academic institutions on a single platform to promote region-based development and sector-specific discussions, in line with the vision of Developed India@2047.

The VGRC North Gujarat edition, held in Mehsana in October 2025, saw 1,264 MoUs signed with an investment potential of Rs 3.25 lakh crore. The conference recorded over 29,000 registrations and participation from more than 440 international delegates representing over 80 countries.

This was followed by the Kutch and Saurashtra edition held in Rajkot in January 2026, where 5,492 MoUs were signed with an investment potential of Rs 5.78 lakh crore. This edition recorded around 29,000 registrations and participation from around 400 international delegates from 57 countries.

The South Gujarat edition, held in Surat in May 2026, saw 2,792 MoUs signed with an investment potential of Rs 3.53 lakh crore. More than 20,000 people registered for the conference and over 150 international delegates from 27 countries participated.

Now, the VGRC Central Gujarat edition to be held in Vadodara is also expected to give the region a new economic momentum and global recognition. Central Gujarat is emerging as an important hub of the state’s development with a blend of tradition, progress and global opportunities. VGRC is expected to further strengthen this potential and provide a new direction to the state’s vision of “Developed Gujarat.” DeshGujarat