The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference marked a key milestone with the inauguration of the Vibrant Kutch District-Level Programme at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Centre in Gandhidham, Kutch. The event was inaugurated by Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat’s Forest and Environment Minister, in the presence of Trikam B. Chhanga, Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education, along with senior officials and industry leaders.

During the programme, 334 MSME units signed memorandums of understanding worth Rs 85 billion, underscoring strong industrial and economic momentum in the region. Addressing the gathering, Modhwadia said the Vibrant Gujarat–Vibrant Kutch initiative would inject fresh energy into the entrepreneurial ecosystem and highlighted the resilience of Kutch, which has emerged as a major development hub despite repeated natural calamities.

He said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Kutch has transformed into a model of progress, generating employment for millions across the country. Modhwadia noted that Kutch has the potential to emerge as a global hub for renewable energy, green hydrogen and the blue economy. He added that nearly 40 per cent of India’s cargo is handled through ports in Kutch, positioning the region as a future centre for electronics manufacturing, data centres, green hydrogen and marine-based industries.

Highlighting Gujarat’s future-readiness, Modhwadia said the state is developing research and centres of excellence in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology. Calling this the “Golden Period of Kutch”, he urged industries to actively participate in green initiatives and contribute to expanding the region’s green cover.

Trikam B. Chhanga said the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, launched when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of the state, has now successfully reached the district level. He praised the Kutch administration and local entrepreneurs for converting challenges such as the 2001 earthquake and unemployment into development opportunities, adding that the region is witnessing reverse migration as people return for new employment prospects.

BJP Member of Parliament Vinod Chavda said the Vibrant Gujarat vision has driven significant industrial progress in Kutch, particularly in ports, minerals and chemicals. He described Kutch as a unique district shaped by desert, sea and mountains, and encouraged young entrepreneurs to support the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ initiatives.

Deendayal Port Authority Chairman S.K. Singh highlighted Kutch’s strategic role in the ‘Developed India’ vision, citing advances in green hydrogen and shipbuilding. Industrialist Manish Kiri described Kutch as the economic powerhouse of Gujarat, pointing to opportunities in digital infrastructure, seawater agriculture and advanced marine chemicals, while DP World Director Parag Kochar underlined the importance of the blue economy and port-led development.

Kutch District Collector Anand Patel said the Vibrant Gujarat initiative has grown from a small programme into a powerful driver of industrial expansion, transforming Kutch into a true “Land of Opportunity”.