SINGAPORE: In an effort to promote Vibrant Gujarat 2019 Summit in the South East Asian region, a delegation led by Mr. RK Beniwal, Managing Director, Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb), visited Singapore from October 1-2, 2018.
Mr. Beniwal, accompanied by industry leaders and members of trade associations & academia, held meetings with the business community and Government bodies in Singapore gathering strong support for the Gujarat Growth Story.
In a bid to showcase the socio-economic growth, business-friendly environment, and opportunities of collaboration with Gujarat, Mr. Beniwal made a presentation in front of a full house in Singapore. He presented an economic snapshot of Gujarat outlining its rapid economic growth, attributing its success to the visionary leadership of Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and effective governance of Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Rupani.
Presenting a promising picture of Gujarat’s potential growth in future, Mr Beniwal said: “Gujarat is well positioned to support investors who are willing to tap into the opportunity called India. The state offers infrastructure, business friendly policies, Single Window Clearance mechanism and most importantly its enterprising people. “
Other participants at the event included Mr. Jawed Ashraf, High Commissioner of India to Singapore. He said that Vibrant Gujarat is an international conclave, which is not just about pure business; it is a meeting of minds, cross-roads of ideas of the possibilities. Vibrant Gujarat is no longer about Gujarat, it is a gateway to India, he added.
Recognising the crucial position Singapore holds in the global trade and commerce, the delegation leader also explained the value proposition that Vibrant Gujarat Summit offers. Mr. Beniwal invited the business community to present their business case at VG2019 Summit and contribute towards a new India.
While appreciating the fact that Singapore ranks 2nd globally in the Ease of Doing Business rankings, he outlined the steps taken by the Government of Gujarat to provide a business friendly environment and simplify the approval process.
Mr. Beniwal, over the two days, held several one-to-one discussions with Singapore-based companies, from sectors including electronics, energy, ports, logistics, financial services, wjich are interested in investing in Gujarat and briefed them on the value proposition that Gujarat offers and invited them to the Vibrant Gujarat 2019 Summit.
Additionally, sector-specific roundtables were organised on start-ups and financial services. Over 25 enterprises participated in each of these closed-door interactions.
Authorities representing GIFT city also presented their propositions to representatives of the Singapore business community. The Singapore Cooperation Enterprise already has tied up with GIFT City and the officials spoke about the financial services to foreign business entities in detail.
Keeping in line with India’s Act East Policy to deepen exchanges and engagements with South East Asia, the delegation is on an eight-day tri-nation promotional tour in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled for January 2019.
Over the past decade-and-a-half, the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summit has emerged as one of the biggest business events in the country, attracting heads of state, along with the who’s who of trade & industry from India and across the world. The 9th edition for the global business summit is scheduled to be held over three days from January 18 to 20, 2019. Having grown from the regional investment fair that characterised the first Summit in 2003, the Global Summit has today become a unique platform for ideation, knowledge sharing, networking, helping investors explore business opportunities, sign cooperation agreements and partnerships, while setting the policy agenda to meet the current national challenges.
