Gujarat is reshaping its industrial development approach, shifting from merely gathering headline MoUs to fostering local companies into “national champions” and ultimately “global leaders,” stated Deputy Chief Minister and Industry Minister Harsh Sanghavi during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“I aim to nurture and support Gujarat’s industries to transform them into national champions in the first phase, and later envision them as global leaders,” he articulated, emphasizing that this objective represents a long-term transformation rather than just a series of summit-driven efforts.
Sanghavi asserted that Gujarat boasts a solid track record in attracting investments, noting that at the 2024 Vibrant Gujarat Summit, the state garnered “over ₹45 lakh crore” in proposals. He highlighted that two recent regional Vibrant investment forums held in Mehsana and Rajkot attracted “more than ₹9 lakh crore” of proposals in a brief timeframe.
“We are not merely focused on MoUs,” he emphasized, clarifying that Davos aimed to discover “new pathways and opportunities” across various sectors.
He mentioned that the Gujarat delegation engaged with companies in areas like artificial intelligence, textile parks, textile production, GCCs, and financial services models, with GIFT City and Dholera envisioned as hubs for new investments. “We arrive with a clear vision and mission to vigorously develop the industry in my state,” he stated.
Manufacturing will remain central to the growth narrative. Pointing to a deal finalized during his Davos trip, Sanghavi revealed that Gujarat established an MoU with Maruti for “₹35,000 crore.”
Upon implementing the expansion, “Maruti alone will produce over 20 lakh cars per year in Gujarat,” he emphasized, terming it as confirmation of the state’s industrial foundation.
Sanghavi also connected the forthcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games to a wider sports and infrastructure strategy. He noted that efforts are being made to prepare the infrastructure “by the end of 2028” and that the Sardar Patel Sports Corridor is scheduled for completion “by 2029.”
Additionally, Gujarat is set to host the International Police and Fire Games, which he remarked would draw “more than 12,000 athletes,” a participation rate comparable to international events. “We aim to cultivate a sports culture in Gujarat,” he said, while also mentioning India’s aspirations towards the Olympics in the future.
For 2026, Sanghavi indicated that Gujarat would concentrate on attracting more investments, enhancing market access, and elevating domestic firms within the value chain: “Our objective is to make Gujarat more accessible to global companies across all sectors.”
