Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a remarkable example of development through his "nation first" approach, inspiring both India and the world. Speaking at the National Executive Meet of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in Ahmedabad, Patel praised Modi's leadership and the transformative growth India has experienced under his guidance.
"Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India is progressing towards becoming the world's third-largest economic power. His initiatives over the past decade have set the nation on a path of self-sustained growth, with the latest IMF report predicting India's growth rate at 7 percent, surpassing that of many developed countries," Patel said.
Patel highlighted Gujarat’s emergence as a "growth engine" for India, showcasing how a visionary approach and structured development can uplift a region. He recalled Modi's governance in Gujarat starting in 2001, when the state was dealing with the aftermath of a severe earthquake. With determination and public support, Patel said, Gujarat transformed itself into a national development model.
The Chief Minister also noted the expansion of Gujarat's road network, which has improved connectivity to remote areas. Gujarat’s 1,600 km coastline has become a strategic gateway for India’s maritime trade. He credited the launch of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2003 for placing the state on the global industry map.
Patel described Gujarat as a policy-driven state, leading in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and establishing itself as a prime destination for investment. He highlighted that 100 Fortune 500 companies operate in Gujarat, with the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growing from Rs 1.23 lakh crore in 2001-02 to Rs 22.3 lakh crore in 2022-23.
The Chief Minister also noted impressive advancements in Gujarat's manufacturing sector, which has grown from Rs 44,886 crore in 2001 to Rs 6.70 lakh crore in 2022-23. Additionally, power generation capacity has surged from 8,750 MW to 52,945 MW in 2023-24.
Patel praised FICCI for its role in Gujarat’s progress, especially through its participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. He expressed confidence that FICCI would continue to be a catalyst for economic growth, helping Gujarat reach its vision of becoming a fully developed state by 2047.
He also discussed Gujarat’s commitment to fostering new sectors, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. Upcoming semiconductor facilities and the development of the largest solar and wind hybrid energy park in Kutch are positioning Gujarat as a leader in renewable energy. Patel extended Diwali and New Year greetings to all present.
In his welcome address, FICCI President Anish Shah acknowledged Gujarat’s exceptional growth under Chief Minister Patel’s leadership, describing it as a model for the country. He noted Gujarat’s substantial contributions to the nation’s GDP, exports, and industrial output, calling it a welcoming destination for industry.
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