In a first, Delhi to be part of Vibrant Gujarat summit

 For the first time, Delhi is all set to participate in the ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ summit, expected to start from 2015 January. The Gujarat government has asked all state governments to send in advance their requirements for space allocation to showcase their products in the flagship summit. The Vibrant Gujarat summit, an idea initiated by prime minister Narendra Modi, began in 2003 with the objective of attracting investment to the state, after the adverse impact due to the 2002-Godhra riots. Though the biennial event had a modest beginning, each passing edition had led to it growing in stature.

‘The national capital had never participated in the summit. Now, we are examining the offer of the state government. We will definitely showcase our achievements and products in the summit,’ a senior city administration official told this newspaper.

Reports suggest Modi had at one point of time likened it to the Davos global meet. The MoU became investment intentions and strategic partnership commitments, the sum total of which from all the summits put together are about 35,000 worth Rs 40 lakh crore over the years. In 2003, the summit was attended by 2,100 delegates from 121 countries. As many as 58,000 Indian delegates had also participated. China and Japan were partner countries and there were various partner organisations, including US India Business Council.