From chip maker to car manufacturers, global firms flocking to Gujarat

Modi recently said that the world’s largest multi-national companies, including 100-plus Fortune 500 global companies, are operating in the state.

Ahmedabad: Though Gujarat has only about 6 per cent of India’s geographical area and nearly 5 per cent of the population, the state has become an engine of the country’s development with world-renowned firms coming here for business, according to officials.

As per the official website of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS), the state has over 200 industrial estates with close to 100 private industrial parks.

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

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

“I have always said that the development of the country depends on the development of Gujarat. The world’s largest multi-national companies, including 100-plus Fortune 500 global companies, are operating in the state. These include Suzuki, Honda, Hitachi, Toyota, and many more," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said recently.

Rahul Bharti, Executive Director (Corporate Affairs), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, explained why their group has invested in Gujarat.

"The state government understands what investors actually look for. The Government of Gujarat provides robust infrastructure, ease and speed of doing business and future progressive policies. And that’s the reason Suzuki group and its vendor partners have invested over Rs 28,000 crore in the state, leading to employment of more than 1 lakh people,” said Bharti.

Airbus International Head Christian Scherrer recently spoke highly about investing in Gujarat.

“We accept with humility and a great sense of responsibility, the trust and confidence that the Indian government has reposed in Airbus. 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 that it will set up a Rs 22,858 crore ($2.75 billion) plant at Sanand near Ahmedabad, with officials describing it as an outcome of the state’s dedicated semiconductor policy.