From chip makers to car makers, global companies are coming to Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: Although Gujarat accounts for only 6% of India’s geographical area and about 5% of its population, according to officials, the state has become the engine of growth of the country with world-renowned companies coming here for business.

According to the official website of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS), the state has more than 200 industrial estates along with around 100 private industrial parks.

The 10th edition of VGGS, the state’s biennial investor meet, is scheduled to be held in the capital Gandhinagar next month.

According to the website, to further strengthen sector-specific investments and infrastructure, the state has also announced several sector-specific industrial parks.

He said, “I have always said that the development of the country depends on the development of Gujarat. The world’s largest multinational companies, including more than 100 Fortune 500 global companies, operate in the state. These include Suzuki, Honda, Hitachi, Toyota and many others,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said recently.

Rahul Bharti, executive director (corporate affairs), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, explains why his group has invested in Gujarat.

“The state government understands what investors really want. The Gujarat government provides strong infrastructure, ease and speed of doing business and progressive policies of the future. And that is why Suzuki Group and its vendor partners have invested Rs 28,000 crore in the state. Have invested more than Rs. Due to which more than 1 lakh people got employment,” Bharti said.

Airbus International chief Christian Scherrer recently spoke highly of investments in Gujarat.

“We accept the trust and confidence that the Government of India has reposed in Airbus with humility and a great sense of responsibility. Airbus has the most trusted and respected partner. And both our companies will work together to build an excellent final assembly line here in Gujarat,” he said.

Chip maker Micron Technology has announced it will set up a Rs 22,858 crore ($2.75 billion) plant in Sanand near Ahmedabad, with officials saying it is a result of the state’s dedicated semiconductor policy.