CM Patel pitches GIFT City, emerging sectors to Gujarati diaspora in Washington

Washington, Aug 20 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday urged the global Gujarati community to participate in the state's development by investing in emerging sectors including GIFT City, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres and biotechnology, as he sought greater investment ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2027.

Patel made the pitch while interacting with members of the Gujarati diaspora at an event organised by the Vishv Umiya Foundation in Washington on the fourth day of his US-Canada visit.

He presented Gujarat as a destination for new investment, highlighting its infrastructure, financial discipline, governance and policies for emerging industries.

The outreach comes as the state delegation continues meetings with investors and technology companies ahead of the 2027 summit.

Explaining the purpose of the delegation's visit, Chief Minister Patel said that business meetings were being held to attract investment, establish new industries and promote emerging sectors in Gujarat.

He added that the meetings held in Silicon Valley had been successful.

"Various business meetings are being held to attract more investment to Gujarat, establish new industries and promote the development of emerging sectors," CM Patel said.

He added that Gujarat had secured an important position in India's economic development and that efforts were now focused on expanding investment into new sectors.

Chief Minister Patel also stressed that the state's development strategy extended beyond economic indicators to basic infrastructure and the quality of life of citizens.

The Chief Minister said the state government is working to improve water supply, electricity, urban amenities and other essential services alongside economic growth.

In a democracy, CM Patel said, governments are assessed not only through economic figures but also by the changes people experienced in their daily lives.

"Gujarat had made significant progress in areas such as electricity, water and employment," he added.

Patel specifically called on overseas Gujaratis to invest in GIFT City, saying the community had created wealth and capital through its hard work across the world.

Investment in GIFT City, he said, would allow that capital to contribute to Gujarat's development while also benefiting investors and strengthening the state's financial economy.

He cited financial discipline and a robust administrative system as among Gujarat's strengths, saying the state had pursued development on the foundations of good governance, discipline and transparency under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Gujarat's growing focus on new-age industries.

"The state is building a strong presence in semiconductors and data centres, with infrastructure, an industry-friendly environment, a financial ecosystem and supportive government policies creating opportunities for large-scale investment and employment," he noted.

Biotechnology and artificial intelligence were also identified as sectors with significant potential.

Patel's emphasis on these industries follows the state government's wider efforts to position the state as a destination for advanced technology and manufacturing investment.

The hospitality sector also featured in his pitch to the diaspora.

"Gujarat has considerable scope for investment in tourism, hotels and hospitality, with increasing industrial and business activity expected to generate demand for additional infrastructure and employment," he assured.

The Washington interaction formed part of Chief Minister Patel's week-long US-Canada visit, during which he is leading a high-level delegation to engage with businesses, investors and members of the Gujarati community and invite participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2027.

Earlier on Thursday, the Chief Minister also met Walmart Executive Vice-President Dan Bryant in Washington to discuss opportunities for Gujarat's MSMEs and small artisans to access global markets.

"Gujarat's financial and administrative strengths, combined with opportunities in technology, finance, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, can provide a broader platform for investment as the state prepares for the next edition of the Vibrant Gujarat summit," he noted.

--IANS

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