Union Health Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader J.P. Nadda arrived in Gujarat on Saturday to participate in the concluding session of the third edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) – South Gujarat, being held in Surat. The visit marks the final day of the two-day regional investment and development summit attended by top political leaders, diplomats, and industry representatives.
On his arrival, Nadda is scheduled to address the valedictory session alongside Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil. Prior to the concluding programme, he held a courtesy meeting in Ahmedabad with Gujarat BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma, shortly after landing in the state. The interaction came as senior party leaders gathered for the closing proceedings of the conference.
The VGRC-South Gujarat conference, hosted at Auro University in Surat, began on Friday with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurating the event. The opening session also saw the participation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, along with C.R. Patil, reflecting the high-level political presence at the regional forum.
Also Read: Meira Kumar Among Senior Leaders At Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan Supporting Women’s Reservation
At the valedictory session, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is set to release a book titled “South Gujarat - The Industrial Catalyst”, which highlights the region’s industrial growth potential. State Finance Minister Kanu Desai is delivering the opening address at the closing ceremony, which is expected to focus on investment outcomes and policy direction.
The conference has centered on Gujarat’s broader development agenda under the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047,” with Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi earlier stating that VGRC aims to accelerate regional industrial growth, attract sector-specific investments, and strengthen global partnerships. Senior officials and foreign diplomats, including Rwanda’s High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira and Ukraine’s Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk, are also attending the final session.
Over the two days, the conference has hosted sectoral discussions covering agriculture, textiles, chemicals, petrochemicals, startups, energy, and women’s empowerment, along with country-focused sessions involving Japan and Ukraine. A separate MSME conclave has also been organised, focusing on industries such as gems and jewellery, green energy, defence, and fisheries, while a parallel exhibition featuring over 12,000 square metres showcases investment opportunities and industrial initiatives across South Gujarat.
Also Read: Health Scare in Surat as Toxic Paneer Supplied Across City