Gujarat is set to turn heads with its bold vision for regional economic transformation. The second Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) is scheduled to take place in Rajkot on January 8 to 9, 2026. It will be dedicated to Kutch and Saurashtra, ushering in fresh momentum for investment in western Gujarat.
According to government officials, the conference aims to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development. The conference will put a spotlight on sectors that define the region’s DNA. It includes ceramics, engineering, ports and logistics, fisheries, petrochemicals, agriculture and food processing, minerals, green energy, startups, MSMEs, tourism, and culture.
At the heart of the initiative lies a simple but powerful idea. It will bring strategic investments backed by policy support and solid public–private partnerships. These partnerships will fuel industrial expansion while ensuring that growth reaches all corners of Kutch and Saurashtra.
Strategic Move For Kutch And Saurashtra
There’s a strong business case for focusing on these regions. Kutch is geographically India’s largest district. It stands out for its twin advantages of scale and connectivity.
Two of India’s largest ports — Kandla and Mundra — are situated here, making it a vital gateway for global trade. Kutch is a powerhouse in renewable energy, boasting over 32 GW of installed capacity. Its robust industrial clusters span from livestock economies to petrochemicals. And its tourism potential is deeply rooted in its unique landscape and cultural heritage.
Whereas Morbi is known as the ‘Ceramic Capital Of India’. In this city, more than 900 manufacturing units churn out tiles, sanitaryware, and vitrified products. It caters not only to the domestic but also to the global markets. Meanwhile, Jamnagar, India’s ‘Brass City’ hosts more than 15,000 brass-based units, along with Asia’s largest oil refinery.
Incidentally, the agro-industry in Saurashtra is also thriving. High-value fruit production — mangoes, guavas, pomegranates — contributes to a growing food-processing ecosystem.
Rajkot, Gujarat’s third-largest district, is a national center for machine tool production. Its rich tradition in crafts like bandhni and ajrakh, combined with a flourishing MSME sector, underlines how innovation and tradition go hand in hand.
Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, brings fisheries, mineral processing, and handicrafts into the mix. It also houses India’s largest caustic soda plant.
In Devbhumi Dwarka, Tata Chemicals runs a major soda ash facility, supported by Okha port infrastructure for mineral and fish trade. Whereas, Bhavnagar dominates onion production and is home to Alang, the world’s largest ship-breaking yard.
Other districts — Botad, Surendranagar, Amreli — are emerging as new industrial or ecological nodes, with specialisations in textiles, salt, cotton, horticulture, and eco-tourism.
Setting Structure & Strategy
The VGRC is not just an exhibition; it’s a fully evolved investment platform. According to the Gujarat government, the Rajkot conference will feature, sector and district-specific seminars, a trade exhibition, regional awards, MoU signings, business meetings: B2B, B2G, a vendor development program, excursions to tourist destinations and industrial clusters, and cultural programs celebrating local heritage.
These elements are deliberately designed to foster real connection and action. The Rajkot VGRC follows the first regional conference held in Mehsana (North Gujarat) in October 2025. That event was a major success, drawing over 29,000 attendees and more than 440 international delegates.
It produced 1,212 MoUs across 21 sectors, amounting to projected investments of Rs 3.24 lakh crore — signaling strong interest from both domestic and global players. One of the notable features was the “Udyami Mela” (Entrepreneur Fair), Reverse Buyer-Seller meets, and a dedicated focus on MSMEs and startups.
The momentum from Mehsana has clearly shaped how the Gujarat government is positioning its regional conferences: as vehicles to democratise economic growth and bring every district into the investment fold.
Vision 2047: The Big Picture
But this isn’t just about local development. The VGRC in Kutch–Saurashtra is part of a broader, long-term vision: Viksit Gujarat – Viksit Bharat @2047.
Policymakers see these regional conferences as a way to align local strengths with national objectives — building resilient, future-ready economies that contribute to India’s development trajectory.
By promoting sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth, the conference aims to attract investments that are not only capital-intensive but also socially and environmentally responsible.
With ports such as Kandla and Mundra, Kutch is positioned to deepen its role in global trade, especially as supply chains shift. 32 GW of renewable capacity is more than just a number — it’s a signal that Kutch is a serious player in India’s clean energy future.
The region’s strength in small and medium enterprises (from ceramics in Morbi to brass in Jamnagar) makes it an attractive base for globally competitive manufacturing. High-value fruit production fused with food processing can boost value addition locally and reduce dependence on external supply chains.
Conclusion
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot marks more than a networking event. It signals Gujarat’s deep commitment to regional growth as a national priority. As we bring you more news from the VBGC, stay tuned with us at Gujpreneur.
