On the Morning of 11th January 2013, Mahatma Mandir witnessed a Grand Start to the Vibrant Gujarat Investment Summit. Captains of Industry and Global leaders attended the event in large numbers. The event saw Shri Modi releasing a book, titled ‘Vision to Reality’ which chronicles 60 key projects of the Gujarat Government.
In his inaugural address, Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti spoke about the history of the Vibrant Gujarat summit and expressed confidence that new benchmarks would be set in the years to come.
After that numerous dignitaries and industrial leaders addressed the august gathering.
Shri Adi Godrej, noted business leader & president of CII congratulated the CM for his third electoral victory and said that this would ensure that Gujarat’s progressive policies and stability would continue. He praised Shri Modi for his visionary leadership and mentioned that the Gujarat model was being emulated by many other states in India. Additionally, he praised Gujarat for making remarkable progress in Energy, Agriculture, Skill Development, Technology and Innovation. He said that he felt privileged to be associated with the VGGS.
Hon. Takeshi Yagi, Japan’s Ambassador to India declared, “I’m truly impressed by the dynamism of India and its people. One of the important events of my tenure was my trip to Gujarat. It was a revelation to visit places like BRTS corridor, Sabarmati riverfront and the Gift city.”
He also spoke about two conferences focussing on High-Speed Railways and Urban Development Projects that will be jointly organized by the Government or Gujarat and the Japanese Government, in the future.
Patrick Brown, a Member of Parliament from Canada praised Shri Modi’s leadership. He expressed hope that VGGS would help in increasing bilateral Trade between India and Canada and also hoped that it would lead to mutual growth.
Mr. Ron Somers President of the US-India Business Council congratulated Mr Modi for the progress made by Gujarat in the past 11 years.
He said, “A new benchmark has been set not just in India, but in the world and that benchmark is the fact that progress trumps politics. How many economies can boast of a double digit GDP?Gujarat is at the top of the list.”
Noted Industrialist Shri Anil Ambani lavished praise on Chief Minister Shri Modi and affirmed that Shri Modi had incorporated the teachings of Shri Mahatma Gandhi who taught us about bridging the gap between theory and practice, Sardar Vallabhai Patel who embodied personal sacrifice and Shri Dhirubhai Ambani who taught us the importance of vision.
Additionally he said, “Nara in Sanskrit means man and indra means king, Narendrabhaiis the lord of men, king among kings. Shri Modi has Arjuna like clarity of vision and purpose. This has acted as a huge magnet for investors and entrepreneurs.”
Shri Amitabh Kant (IAS), Chairman of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor spoke of a different kind of energy in Gujarat. He said, “Gujarat is creating jobs, driving manufacturing and urbanization. In Dholera a new ultra-modern City will come up. The credit goes to the Gujarat team and the dynamic leadership of Shri Modi.”
Mr. Freddy Svane, Denmark’s Ambassador to India declared, “This is my 4th visit to Gujarat. Gujarat is setting global standards, the world has high expectations from India, and these are being met in Gujarat.”
Further, he spoke about Denmark’s collaboration with Gujarat in Green technology.
Philosophizing about the reasons for Gujarat’s progress, renowned industrialist, Shri Anand Mahindra said, “Gujaratis think big and do not fear failure. Additionally they believe in building lasting relationships. Shri Modi and his team have succeeded because of their vision, their courage and their ability to build such lasting relationships.”
Mr. Lowell Paddock, President, GM India gave an example of the rapid pace of development taking place in Gujarat. He said, “When we got here it took us four hours to get fromVadodara to Halol.Now, it takes us only 30 min. This has increased our efficiency and reduced our costs. Additionally, we have enjoyed the benefits of uninterrupted power supply.”
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Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries expressed his delight at attending the VGGS. He appreciated the fact that the VGGS had built on the momentum from the earlier summits.
He praised the state’s leadership and said, “Gujarat is blessed to have a talented and committed team. I compliment them for Gujarat’s glowing achievements. Shri Modi has thevision and a grand determination to succeed.”
Additionally, Shri Ambani declared, “I am very fortunate that the Hon.CM has given me the responsibility to lead an educational institution. I reiterate my commitment to Shri Modi’s vision.We aim to make PDPU a world-class institution of research.”
President of JETRO, Mr. Hidehiro Yokoo expressed happiness at the fact that JETRO was a partner organization for VGGS. He said, “In November 2011 we signed a MoU with the Gujarat Government to cooperate in promoting Japanese investment in India.
He further praised Gujarat’s development and said, “Gujarat has become a hub for auto production. Shri Modi’s clear vision, decisive action and strong leadership have resulted in Gujarat’s success.”
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Ms. Chanda Kochchar, CEO, ICICI Bank said,” Vibrant Gujarat Summit has become an institution. It’s a great medium to communicate the fact that Gujarat welcomes investment.”Additionally Ms. Kochchar praised Shri Modi’s integration of technology in the process of Governance.
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Chairman and CEO of China Steel Corporation Mr. J.C. Tsou declared, “Industry climate in Gujarat is very congenial for our companies. I look forward to Shri Modi’s visionary leadership.”
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Dr. Renu Khator from the University of Houston recalled her experiences with the Education system in Uttar Pradesh and praised the Education system in Gujarat. She further praised the CM and said,” You have proven that you have the courage to act and humility. You are currently a role model for what is possible.”
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Shri Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group praised Shri Modi’s visionary leadership. He said, “No leader of any state has such a massive impact on modern India.”He further praised the Chief Minister’s dedication to the people of Gujarat and said, “Shri Modi was not only facing an election but also he was planning to personally lead Vibrant Gujarat.”
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K Venkataramanan of L&T spoke about the company’s investments in Gujarat. He praised Vibrant Gujarat by saying, “Every Vibrant Gujarat means that a lot of us get an opportunity to create an iconic monument in this great state.”He praised Shri Modi’s leadership and called him an Icon.
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Shri Shashi Ruia, Chairman of the Essar Group congratulated Shri Modi for his electoral success and said, “He proved good economics can coexist with good politics. Gujarat has bucked slowdown and recession. It is testimony to Modi ji's vision & leadership skills.”
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Dr. Geoffrey Lee, a Member of Parliament from Australia praised Shri Modi’s Development works and said that it was no accident that Shri Modi had been elected for a third consecutive term. He further said, “You have delivered in port and infrastructure. All of this is because of your leadership, vision and passion.”
Sir James Bevan, Britain’s High Commissioner to India expressed hope for closer and deeper ties between Gujarat and Britain. He said, “There is a strong basis for a commercial partnership. Today we have more than 50 British Companies here.”He further expressed hope that the UK and Gujarat would partner in the fields of Education, science, Innovation and Renewable Energy.
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Shri R.C. Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki declared, “The government took up all requirements that a company like ours can need. People were given responsibilities and work started immediately.”He further said that he was looking forward to working in Gujarat.
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In his speech, Shri Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Group praised Shri Modi and said, “All credit goes to (Shri Modi) for his vision, for setting high standards and for fostering unity in the government.”He pledged that the Tata group would invest 34,000 crore in Gujarat and expressed hope that Gujarat would continue to differentiate itself from other investment locations. Further,he commended the CM for making Gujarata vibrant destination and conducive to investment. He said, “I hope the world sees Gujarat as an outstanding example of what can be done when you have the desire to succeed. "
The Vice President of Hunan Province, China expressed hope of establishing a deeper relationship with Gujarat. He declared,” We would like to meet with you again, in June. We would also like to establish and enhance our partnership in terms of economy, trade and tourism.”
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Ms. Patricia Hewitt, Chair of the UK-India Business Council spoke about Gujarat’s rapid progress and highlighted the fact that Gujarat was growing at a faster rate than China.
She expressed hope that a deeper relationship would be beneficial to both Gujarat and the UK. She said, “As we trade and invest together, we will create more jobs and ensure growth for the people of Gujarat and Britain. The world is talking about B2B and B2C, we are interested in B2G and G2B, Britain to Gujarat and Gujarat to Britain.”
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Hon. Stewart Beck, Canada’s High Commissioner to India said that Canada was proud to be a partner country at Vibrant Gujarat. He spoke about the increase in the participation of the Canadian Delegation in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. He recalled that while only three Canadian delegates participated in the first VGGS, today there were more than 200 Canadian delegates.
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Hon. Nobuhiko Sasaki from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry called Gujarat the most promising state for investment. The Japanese delegation consisted of more than 100 members.
The speeches were followed by an inspiring and invigorating address by Shri Narendra Modi who expressed hope that in the current atmosphere of gloom, Gujarat would be a ray of hope and would give a new speed to the journey of development.
