218 MoUs worth Rs 1,209 crore signed in Junagadh ahead of VGRC Rajkot

Ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot, the District-level Programme was successfully organised today in Junagadh, with the participation of industrialists and young entrepreneurs, opening new avenues for investment.

Today, significant MoUs were signed in sectors such as health and hospitals, education institutions based on Sanskrit language and traditions, tourism, resorts, and related fields.

On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr. Pradyuman Vaja said that the foundation of Vibrant Gujarat, laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003, has grown into a strong platform that now enables district-level industrial development MoUs.

Through this summit, mainly 102 MOUs worth approximately Rs 281 crore were signed in the agro, food processing, and dairy sectors; 55 MOUs worth Rs 144 crore in engineering and technology; 41 MOUs worth Rs 403 crore in minerals and mining; and MOUs worth Rs 114 crore in tourism and Rs 175 crore in infrastructure.

The upcoming investments in the district will create large-scale employment and give the district an identity in national and global markets.

He said that the industrial sector will play a key role in achieving Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, and that the district-level programme reflects the vision of Vocal for Local and Local to Global. He stated that Junagadh district is richly endowed by nature, with abundant natural beauty, mountains, forests, the sea, and rivers.

In addition to these natural assets, Junagadh is renowned for its historical, cultural, mythological, and spiritual heritage. He added that the Girnar Ropeway has significantly boosted tourism, while the presence of the Asiatic lion has placed Gujarat prominently on the global map.

He highlighted that Seafood, spices, food processing products, machinery, and several other goods from Junagadh are now exported to global markets. The district has developed strong industrial clusters in plastic products, engineering, seafood, and agro and food processing. Infrastructure such as Vande Bharat railway services, the expansion of Keshod Airport, national highways, small and large industrial estates, and GIDC facilities has significantly strengthened the industrial ecosystem.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, focused and successful efforts have been made to promote trade and industry, particularly agriculture-based and tourism-based sectors. He also extended special congratulations to the investors who signed MoUs and the operators of various industrial units who participated in the exhibition.

District Collector Anilkumar Ranavasiya, in his keynote address, said that when the then Chief Minister and present Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Vibrant Gujarat in 2003, the vision he set to make Gujarat a leading state has since become a well-defined pathway for growth. With strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and consistent government support, Gujarat has created a favourable environment for industrial development, further strengthened under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

He stated that Junagadh district is agriculture-based and is also well known for tourism. To add new dimensions to both sectors, we have made necessary efforts to further develop the agro-processing industry, and these efforts are yielding results.

The development of the agro-processing industry will also provide farmers with a strong option for their produce. The district's Kesar mango and Ravana( Jamun) are well known across the country and enjoy special demand. He also invited investors to invest with a new setup to develop religious tourism along with tourism. In this context, he also cited the example of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

He said that Keshod Airport is also being expanded on a large scale. Its runway will be extended from 1.5 km to approximately 2.5 km, enhancing cargo facilities, benefiting the coastal areas of Saurashtra, and increasing tourist arrivals. He highlighted that to give a boost to the seafood industry, 22 hectares of land has also been allocated, which will also generate large-scale employment.

Chairperson of the Junagadh Municipal Corporation Standing Committee, Smt. Pallavi Thakkar stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several initiatives have been implemented to enable youth to become job providers rather than job seekers. She added that, due to the Prime Minister's foresight, Gujarat today holds a leading position in the country.

Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Sanjay Purohit, stated that the district-level programme has been result-oriented. New agro-processing units have been established in the district, and the sector's existing potential will be further expanded. He also highlighted the district's infrastructure development and outlined its strong potential in the tourism sector.

On this occasion, symbolic distribution of assistance cheques to beneficiaries, including under the Vajpayee Bankable Yojana, was also carried out by the Cabinet Minister and he also inaugurated the exhibition showcasing locally manufactured products at the District Vibrant Summit and toured the exhibition.

General Manager of the District Industries Centre, Dhairya Joshi, welcomed the dignitaries.

In addition, seminars were organised during the programme on AI, startups, and innovation as strategic partners in modern entrepreneurship, during which Dharmendra Joshi and Jatin Katariya shared their views.

The event was attended by Mayor Dharmesh Poshiya, Deputy Mayor Akash Katara, Leader of the Ruling Party Manan Abhani, Commissioner Tejas Parmar, District Development Officer H.P. Patel, District BJP President Chandu Makwana, District City President Gaurav Rupareliya, leader Punit Sharma, industrial association officials Amrut Desai and Paresh Chovatia, along with representatives from the Hotel Association, Gems & Jewellery Association, GIDC Association, Chamber of Commerce, and students eager to start businesses with new ideas. The program was conducted by Gayatri. (ANI)