Surat

The Gujarat government signed 2,792 memoranda of understanding worth ₹3.53 lakh crore during the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for South Gujarat, with the proposed investments expected to generate nearly 2.82 lakh direct employment opportunities over the next few years.

Sharing the details at the closing ceremony in Surat, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the conference marked a major milestone for the region, with substantial investment commitments secured across multiple sectors.

He said the projects covered under these agreements are expected to be implemented over the next three years, creating large-scale job opportunities for young people across South Gujarat.

Sanghavi noted that similar regional investment conferences had earlier been organised in Mehsana for North Gujarat and in Rajkot for the Saurashtra-Kutch region. He said the state’s decision to expand the Vibrant Gujarat Summit beyond Gandhinagar was aimed at ensuring broader participation and allowing entrepreneurs from different parts of the state to benefit directly.

According to him, one of the key objectives of these regional events is to connect small and medium businesses with international markets and investors. Business delegates from South Gujarat were given the opportunity to interact with representatives from nearly 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Singapore, Japan, and Rwanda.

Sanghavi said the initiative is intended not only for large industrial groups but also for entrepreneurs who often do not get direct access to global business opportunities. He added that in the coming months, government officials would also hold open-door meetings to address concerns of existing investors and industrial units.

Highlighting sector-specific plans, the deputy chief minister said the government is focusing on promoting non-polluting industries in tribal districts such as Dang, Tapi, parts of Navsari, Valsad, Bharuch and Surat to create sustainable employment.

He said special emphasis is being placed on the garment sector, with the government working alongside major industry players to create more than 25,000 employment opportunities for women in tribal areas over the next two years.

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He also said arrangements are being planned to ensure safe and convenient transportation for women workers from rural areas, enabling them to commute to workplaces and return home securely each day.