Gandhinagar: India’s G20 Presidency has officially commenced from 1st December, 2022. Gujarat is also ready to host a total of 15 G20 meetings at different places. The first event, the “Business-20 (B20) Inception” kicked off from Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar today morning.

A special session on ‘Gujarat’s G20 Connect’ was organized today. Special transformative initiatives undertaken by the Gujarat government were discussed in this session. A film on Gujarat’s rich history and development over the years coupled with vibrant arts and culture was shown to the participants.

Energy Minister Shri Kanubhai Desai, in his address said, “Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has seen transformative changes through initiatives like digital payments, mobile Aadhar etc. Through DBT, 200 billion rupees are transferred to poor farmers, women and students and related beneficiaries, cutting out the middle men.”

Minister of Industry Shri Balwantsinh Rajput mentioned, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, the Make in India, with initiatives like Make in India, production linked incentive schemes, Vocal for Local etc, is accelerating towards becoming the World’s Largest Manufacturing Hub. As India accelerates towards achieving the USD 5 trillion economy target by 2026-27, Gujarat, being the Growth Engine of India will make significant contribution towards the same. For this, the state aspires to become a USD 500 billion economy by 2026-27 and USD 1 trillion economy by 2030-32.”

Managing Director of TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited Mr. Hisanori Takashiba added, “Suzuki Group and it’s partners have invested Rs 23,000 crore in Gujarat and generated 47,000 employment. We are investing Rs 10,000 crore for EV manufacturing facility, battery plant for EV and vehicle recycling plant in Gujarat. Gujarat can lead India’s journey in net zero carbon.”

Mr. Pankaj Patel, Chairman of Zydus Life Sciences in his opening remarks said, “India’s G20 presidency comes at a very crucial time and provides significant opportunity in addressing global priorities and challenges through collective cooperation for well-being of all. As highlighted by the Honourable PM, this marks the beginning of Amrit Kaal, leading to a future of an inclusive, prosperous and developed India distinguished by human-centric approach at the core.”

Mr. Kulin Lalbhai, Executive Director of Arvind Limited in his closing remarks said, “Gujarat has always been a leading engine in India’s growth. Its business community coupled with bold and visionary policies under Shri Narendra Modi has enabled the state to reap benefits that we see today.”

It is worth mentioning that Gujarat Government was the first in Asia to start a dedicated Department of Climate Change. The country’s first solar park was established at Modhera, India’s first 24×7 Solar Powered Village. Special initiatives to promote green manufacturing will help in connecting Gujarat to the global value chain.