Gujarat beckons Rajasthan’s business leaders ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027

On a crisp Thursday morning in Jaipur, a bright delegation from Gujarat set up a modest stage and began what felt like a friendly pitch to the Rajasthan business community. The purpose? To nudge local entrepreneurs, traders and manufacturers toward the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) scheduled for 10‑12 January 2027 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.

Kunvarji Bavaliya, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Labour, Skill Development, Employment and Rural Development, opened the session with a warm welcome. He reminded the audience that the Vibrant Gujarat concept was born back in 2003 when then‑Chief Minister Narendra Modi envisioned a state‑led global business platform—a notion that seemed novel at the time but has since become a cornerstone of India’s investment narrative.

“We don’t wait for opportunities; we create them,” Bavaliya said, his voice tinged with optimism. He highlighted how the summit has grown under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s stewardship and noted the success of the inaugural Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences held in 2026, which spread the investment message to smaller towns across the state.

Joining him was Shalini Agrawal, IAS, Managing Director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). With a personal note—“Rajasthan is my Janmbhoomi, Gujarat my Karma‑Bhoomi”—she underscored the centuries‑old cultural and commercial ties between the two neighbours. Agrawal spoke about the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and how collaborative ventures could accelerate that goal.

The roadshow wasn’t just talk. One‑on‑one meetings were arranged for Rajasthan’s business heads to sit down with Gujarat officials, discuss land availability, policy incentives and the practicalities of setting up shop in the state. Many participants expressed genuine interest in sectors ranging from traditional chemicals and petrochemicals to newer arenas like semiconductors, data‑centres, AI‑driven manufacturing and battery production.

Infrastructure, of course, topped the list of selling points. Gujarat boasts a network that includes the massive ports of Mundra and Kandla, an international airport in Ahmedabad, the Dedicated Freight Corridor, a budding metro system, and the much‑anticipated Mumbai‑Ahmedabad Bullet Train. The newly‑planned industrial hub at Dholera, with its expansive road grid and utility framework, was showcased as a ready‑made launchpad for large‑scale projects.

On the green side, Agrawal highlighted the Khavda renewable‑energy park, a flagship initiative that aligns with India’s clean‑energy transition. She also pointed out the fast‑moving semiconductor ecosystem taking shape in Sanand and Dholera—areas that could position Gujarat as a critical node in the global tech supply chain.

Looking ahead, Bavaliya said Gujarat will continue roadshows in other Indian states and even abroad, aiming to build a cascade of interest that peaks at the January summit. He reminded listeners that Gujarat contributes roughly 8.3 % to India’s GDP, a figure that underscores the state’s magnetism for both domestic and foreign investors.

VGGS 2027 itself promises a blend of exhibitions, reverse buyer‑seller meets, vendor‑development sessions and a dedicated startup‑technology forum. For Rajasthan’s firms, the event could be a gateway to showcase products, secure supply‑chain contracts and tap into a vibrant MSME ecosystem that is already buzzing with innovation.

In short, the message was clear: the geographic closeness of Gujarat and Rajasthan is more than a map‑point; it’s a shared platform for manufacturing, services, trade and skill development. As the roadshow wrapped up, many participants left with business cards in hand and a sense that the next few months could mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership.