With the pandemic now winding down to endemic stage, mega events across the world have begun planning onwards 2024. Be it sports, business, showbiz or an otherwise annual literary meet, the lockdown and its virtual “new normal” code stalled almost all high-points which are a meet-and-greet to carry forward newer ideas for development.
Likewise in the case of Gujarat government’s flagship investment summit, Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS). Last held in 2019, come 2024 and after a five-year pause, the show will be on from January 11-13, 2024, according to top sources in the state government.
Notably, during the last VGGS edition, a record 28,360 MoUs were signed, which include MoUs worth at least Rs 1 lakh crore in the renewable energy sector. Nearly 42,000 delegates from across 135 countries participated in the event, which also hosted six heads of states from different countries.
“The final plan to promote VGGS 2024 is currently being worked upon by the state administration. All promotional activity is expected to begin from July. State officials will hold road shows across key metropolitan cities as well as capital cities in the country,” shared a government official.
Post-Covid, VGGS was scheduled for January 2022. However, escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia and a staggered return of the Omicron variant, forced a last-minute cancellation.
Briefing on the prep work underway, the official shared that two high-level meetings chaired by the state chief secretary have already been held to plan for the event.
All major economies including the US, UK, Japan, Germany, Netherlands in addition to Gulf countries and African countries will be approached to participate in the 10th edition of the mega investment summit.
The state government has earmarked a budget of Rs 127 crore to promote VGGS 2024. It is also learnt that key discussions are being held with the Union government.
The state departments are working towards identifying core focus areas to promote investments during the summit. Sources added that initial discussions have already begun with foreign trade and investments offices. Some of the key partner organisations in the previous edition included the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), the Canada India Foundation, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Finland Chamber of Commerce, Japan External Trade Organisation, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, Netherlands Business Support Office, and the US India Business Council, among others.
Industry sources also revealed that preliminary inquiries have also begun with hotels across Ahmedabad.
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