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16th October 2014 –

15th November 2014

Inside this issue

Focal Point : “Infrastructure in Gujarat”

Gujarat Updates : Investment Plans/ Initiatives

International Delegations to promote Vibrant Gujarat 2015

Explore Gujarat: Gandhi Circuit

Contact Us

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Fact File

• Gujarat was the first state in India to enact a legal framework for the SIR – The Gujarat Special Investment Region Act

• 38% (564 km) of the planned DMIC route is through Gujarat (Ahmedabad –Dholera ); more than 60% of the total investment is likely to be in Gujarat

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Infrastructure is widely acknowledged to be critical for economic success; and infrastructureinvestments are credited with leading to economic growth, both at local as well as national level.Lately, India has been witnessing a spurt in economic activity, led by major economic reforms.Among the prime beneficiaries of this upsurge could be the infrastructure sector, which hasemerged as a prime driver of positive social change in Gujarat.

It is a privilege for me to be associated with this edition of the Vibrant Gujarat newsletter, whichfocuses on the framework for infrastructure development in our State. The Gujarat InfrastructureDevelopment Board (GIDB) is the nodal agency established by the Government of Gujarat topromote streamlined development of infrastructure in the state, primarily on the Public PrivatePartnership (PPP) mode.

Gujarat has 57 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 13 Special Investment Regions (SIRs), in additionto 42 ports, 17 airfields and excellent road and rail connectivity. Gujarat is also the first state inIndia to enact the SIR Act and the BOT Law for encouraging private sector participation in majorinfrastructure projects. Apart from industry specific infrastructure, Gujarat has also ensured 24hour power supply, gas grid network, water transmission grids, and a number of healthcare andeducational facilities, thus aiming to provide necessary amenities and a high standard of living to itscitizens.

In the coming years, the next wave of infrastructure development in Gujarat will mainly bepropelled by projects such as the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), and campaignslaunched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India such as ‘Make in India’. By 2020, major envisagedinvestments in Gujarat will include Bullet Train project, Smart Cities projects, Metro Link Project,Gujarat International Finance Tech City (GIFT), Dholera SIR, Knowledge Corridors as well as multipleCenters of Excellence.

The vision for the next level of growth in Gujarat is to make the state a globally preferred place tolive in and to do business through accelerated, balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth driven byrobust social, industrial and physical infrastructure. A total estimated investment of almost USD 200Billion is planned in Gujarat till 2020 to match the state’s vision of progress. The role of GIDB infacilitating infrastructure development in Gujarat, along with the various initiatives launched by theGovernment of Gujarat for the same are discussed at length in this edition of the newsletter. I hopethe newsletter makes for an interesting read.

From The Desk

Ajay Bhadoo, IASChief Executive Officer,

Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board,Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 01

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Infrastructure in Gujarat

Gujarat has a robust infrastructure and is a pioneer in Public-Private partnership projects. It can be truly referred to as one of ‘Asia’s Biggest Investment Infrastructure Opportunity Centre’. Gujarat has strategically developed efficient and cost effective infrastructure which supports and boosts state’s urban and industrial growth. As a front runner in economic development, the state has set an example worth emulation and provides ‘World Class and State of the Art Infrastructure’ charting the roadmap to future growth.

Gujarat has a host of Government Agencies looking after the development of infrastructure facilities like roads, ports, power, industrial parks, etc. But, under the new paradigm and expanding industrial landscape in Gujarat, a need to have better coordination among various components of the State involved in handling of projects was felt. As a result, to facilitate higher flow of funds into infrastructure sector and to ensure coordination among various government agencies, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) was setup in 1995.

GIDB is a gateway for investment and private sector participation in infrastructure projects in

Gujarat. It looks into overall planning and undertakes framework studies. GIDB as a statutory board may extend its support from conceptualization till final structuring of the project, drafting of concession agreements and arranging Viability Gap Fund (VGF).

The PPP Cell at GIDB conducts Techno-Economic feasibility studies and prepares TORs, bid documents and provides funding of various studies as well. It evaluates Concession agreements across sectors. The cell also arranges various programs and participates in public forums for dissemination of information and upcoming projects to consumers, investors and government entities.

GIDB has developed Model Concession Agreements across some sectors such as Ports, Urban Transport, Road and Water. Standard internal evaluation guidelines have been prepared for technical evaluation of Projects as well.

Private Sector Initiatives in Gujarat

The state government's commitment towards promoting private sector participation in

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infrastructure development can be adjudged from the fact that a large number of projects are already under implementation with the support of private sectors. Some of them are listed in the table below.

Scheme for Financial support to Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Infrastructure i.e. Viability Gap Fund

Ministry of Finance Department, Department of Economic Affairs has introduced a scheme for support to PPP in infrastructure. GoI has made provisions to financially support the viability gap to the tune of 20% of the cost of the project in the form of capital grant from its viability gap fund. The scheme is confined to PPP projects taken by the Government or its agencies, where the private sector is selected through open competitive public bidding. Under the scheme of Government of India, a provision has been made

that Government of India’s support will be limited to tune of 20% of the cost of the Project. It is also mentioned that State Government or its agencies that owns the project may also provide additional grants out of its budget not exceeding further 20% of the total cost of the Project. GIDB is the nodal agency for preparing VGF proposals for forwarding them to the DEA and also for availing the State VGF assistance.

BIG-2020

GIDB has re-visualized State's Infra-vision and prepared a document – BIG - 2020, which envisages investment potential of nearly 357,468 crore in various sectors till 2020. Thisnew vision has been mapped and detailed against both economic and social dimensions to ensure that growth is inclusive and benefits all sections of society.

Project Sector Developer

Ahmedabad Mehsana Road Road IL&FS, L&T (ECC)

Akrimota Thermal Power Project, Kutch Power GMDC

Dahej Port Ports Petronet LNG Ltd.

Power Project at Hazira Power Gujarat State Energy Generation Co. Ltd.

(GSEG)

GSWAN – Gujarat State Wide Area Network IT United Telecom Ltd.

Hazira Port Ports Shell – Essar Consortium

Ichchhapore Hazira Road Roads GIDC

Infocity IT Creative Choice Inc.

Mahi Bridge Roads Vijay Mistry Construction Pvt. Ltd.,

Rajkamal Builders

Mundra Ports Gujarat Adani Ports Ltd.

Mundra Port – Gandhidham Missing Link Railways Gujarat Adani Ports Ltd.

Pipavav Port Ports Gujarat Pipavav Ports Ltd.

ROB Near GNFC Bharuch Roads Vijay Mistry Construction Pvt. Ltd.

ROB at Chayyapuri, Vadodara Roads Ranjit Construction Pvt. Ltd.

Surendranagr-Mahuva Gauge Conversion Railways Gujarat Pipavav Ports Ltd. (GPPL) and

Ministry of Railways

Vadodara Halol Road Roads IL&FS, Punj Lloyd

Watrak Bridge Roads L&T

Zadeshwar Bridge Roads L&T

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The vision is to make Gujarat a globally preferred place to live in and to do business through accelerated, balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth driven by robust social, industrial and physical infrastructure. The major projects envisaged under BIG - 2020 are:

Power generation capacity at 31,000 MW - Per capita consumption will continue to be one of the highest in the country. As such capacity additions are undertaken to create surplus capacity both at energy and peak requirement levels. The State plans to position itself as the power trading hub for the western region.

Renewable Energy / Solar Power - The State has a potential of nearly 10,000 MW of solar generation capacity and nearly 7,000 MW of wind energy. The State plans to leverage this potential by encouraging renewable sources of energy.

Natural Gas – Gujarat already has the most developed gas sector in the country. It is the only State with multiple gas grids, two existing LNG terminals and a history of city gas distribution. BIG - 2020 plans for additional gas supplies through E&P, more LNG terminals, strengthening of the existing gas grid and city gas distribution to around 200 towns in the State. Per capita consumption will not only be the highest in the country but be comparable with Korea’s per capita consumption.

Coal Gasification - The State is well-placed to lead the initiative of producing gas through this route. Gujarat already has three coal gasification projects under implementation and are evaluating the possibility of the fourth one.

Leveraging on the DFC / DMIC opportunity -BIG - 2020 presents a comprehensive approach to providing high quality infrastructure and connectivity to the Special Investment Regions,

Industrial areas and SEZs that will be setup in the DMIC influence area. This includes high quality road, rail and air linkages from the growth centers to the Ports and DFC.

Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT) -An international financial center which would be one of its kind in India for global IT and financial services is being developed and several prominent financial institutions have already started their operations at GIFT.

Bullet Train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai-Implementing a bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will reduce the commuting time from 6 hrs to 2 hrs. This project is expected to be executed in collaboration with Indian Railways and the State Governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Bullet trains connecting key centers viz. Ahmedabad-Rajkot-Veraval and Ahmedabad-Jamnagar-Dwarka have also been conceptualized.

Metro Rail Transport Project - High speed corridor between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar to meet the traffic demand between the two cities.

Kalpasar Project - This is an ambitious project to provide fresh water, reclaim land for development and improve transportation across Gulf of Khambat.

Siemens to set up Centers of Excellence in Gujarat for INR 1,200 crore

October 16, 2014

Hon’ble Finance Minister of Gujarat, Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel informed that German engineering giant Siemens will invest INR 1,200 crore to set up 11 Centers of Excellence in Gujarat. Recently an MoU was signed between Siemens and the state government to set up Centers of Excellence in six engineering colleges in Gujarat. Similar MoUs were signed with them for five such colleges in the past. Siemens will spend INR 119 crores while government will spend INR 17 crore on each of these institutes.

The announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of Gujarat Power Research and Education Institute, an engineering college came up at Mevad village of Mehsana district at a cost of INR 60 crore. According to an official press release, this is Gujarat's first college that came up under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Roads and Buildings Minister of Gujarat, Shri. Nitin Patel said that the Centers of Excellence will churn out


69,000 trained professionals in the field of auto industry, aerospace, defense industry and ship building.

Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals to invest INR 3500 crore for expansion

October 16, 2014

Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), Vadodara-based caustic soda manufacturer, plans to invest INR 3500 crores in expansion and new projects for caustic soda and other products.

According to a GACL press release, the expansion projects involve augmenting the existing capacities of caustic soda, chloromethane, and phosphoric acid besides caustic potash at its Dahej plant. The caustic soda capacity is being expanded by 1,200 tonne per day (TPD), that of chloromethane by 600 TPD, phosphoric acid by 300 TPD and the caustic potash to 120 TPD.

A 120 Megawatt coal-based power project will also come up at Dahej as part of the expansion plan.

Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals is also exploring the possibility of setting up a new caustic soda

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plant at Bhavnagar, Gujarat with a capacity of 600 TPD and another new plant in Eastern India with a capacity of 300 TPD. Alternatively, GACL may also consider acquiring an existing caustic soda manufacturing plant with a similar capacity in Eastern part of the country.

More than 150 Indian exhibitors participate in Fabric Expo 2014 at Ahmedabad

October 16, 2014

Powerloom entrepreneurs and exporters scouting for overseas buyers thronged the Indian International Fabric Expo 2014, held in Ahmedabad from October 14th to 16th.

The exhibition was organized by the PowerloomDevelopment & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) with active support from Ministry of Textile, Government of India and under the Market Assistant Initiative Scheme of Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Along with Indian presence, International buyers from SAARC, ASEAN, African, European & American countries representing Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bangladesh, Poland, Canada, Malaysia, Ghana, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Australia visited the three-day expo.

More than 150 Indian exhibitors displayed products such as textile fabrics, denim, technical textiles, industrial fabrics, specialty fabrics, made-ups & home textiles. A series of events including seminars, fashion shows, b2b meetings among other events were also a part of Fabric Expo.

Apart from an important economic and industrial hub and the second-largest producer of cotton in the country, Ahmedabad has a

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number of manufacturing facilities for ginning, spinning, weaving, knitting, processing, garmenting, etc.

While powerloom sector is considered as lifeline of the Indian textile industry, its clusters are concentrated in certain areas such as Erode, Madurai, Ichalkaranji, Solapur, Bhiwandi, Malegaon, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bilwara, Doddaballapura, Gorakhpur, Komarapalayam, Ludhiana, Umargaon, Surat, Sircilla, Ranaghat, Nagari, Panipat and Burhanpur.

Abbott India's first nutraceutical plant inaugurated in Gujarat

October 16, 2014

Taking cue from Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, Abbott Laboratories inaugurated and launched its first nutraceutical plant in India at Jhagadianear Bharuch with an investment of INR 450 crore through its subsidiary Abbott India. The plant for manufacturing Abbott's nutraceutical products, inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel, marks the


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realization of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between US based pharma giant and the Gujarat government under the Vibrant Gujarat initiative.

Located in 45 acres of land at Jhagadia which comes in between Bharuch and Vadodara district, the plant has the facilities to produce nutraceutical products for India as well global markets. Interestingly, all the nutraceutical products like Ensure range of nutritional drinks for elderly people and pediatric nutritional drink like PediaSure were only marketed in India while they were manufactured in US.

Dr. H G Koshia, Commissioner of Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) informed that launch of this manufacturing plant has opened up wide range of opportunities for the state by not only generating employment, but also setting example for other foreign investors to come to the country. He added that this development provides huge boost for manpower development within the state, as this plant alone employs more than 400 people.

The Ensure range comprises products like Ensure Clear, Ensure Plus, Ensure Clinical Strength, Ensure Enlive, Ensure High Protein, Ensure High

Protein Shake, Ensure Immune Health, Ensure Muscle Health, Ensure Powder and Ensure Pudding. PediaSure is a nutritional supplement for children between the age group of 2-10 years.

Gujarat Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of INR 1,100 crore Honda Motorcycle and Scooter plant near Bavla

October 16, 2014

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel performed the groundbreaking ceremony of new plant of the Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) Ltd at Vitthalapurnear Mandal in Ahmedabad district.

Speaking at the function, she exuded confidence that with two plants operating in this region; the other being that of Maruti Suzuki, it should contribute to the socio-economic development of the local people. She complimented the local populace for their willingness to have these plants. It was initially planned to be developed as a Special Investment Region (SIR).

The plant to be set up at a cost of INR 1,100 crore would provide jobs to 2,000. The Honda


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plant would provide training to the youth as its ancillary spare parts units are likely to provide jobs to many more.

The Chief Minister recalled that she had earlier represented Mandal as her constituency and she knew the region well and her government is committed to develop it. She appealed to all to make this region disease-free, clean and green. She wished the people of Gujarat worked with the same zeal and dedication the way people of Japan worked after the World War II.

The company's fourth plant near Mandal would produce 1.2 million automatic scooters per year, the other three producing 4.6 million units, raising the total capacity to 5.8 million units per year. The CEO of HMSI presented a cheque ofINR 10 lakh to the Chief Minister's Fund for Cleanliness.

Others present on the occasion included Hon’ble Minister of State for Home, Shri. Rajnibhai Patel; D.J. Pandian, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary; Sureshbhai Patel, Ahmedabad District Panchayat President, MLAs PragjibhaiPatel and Kamabhai Rathod, Honda Company's dealers, distributors and people.

Taiwan tyre-maker giant Maxxis Gr President Dr. Wally Chen met CM and discussed investment opportunities

October 16, 2014

World renowned Taiwan based tyre manufacturer giant Maxxis Group’s President Dr. Wally Chen met Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel. While discussing investment opportunities in the state, the Chief Minister welcomed the Maxxis Group for setting a manufacturing unit at Sanand in Ahmedabad district.

During the meeting, the CM briefed Dr. Chen that Gujarat is prepared to welcome world industry giants with cordial and conducive atmosphere for fulfilling Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s dream of ‘Make in India.’ She added that it is really a welcoming step that the world giants are coming to Gujarat as theirdestination for setting up manufacturing units. She further mentioned that the arrival of the Maxxis group in Gujarat would be mutually benefitting as the tyre manufacturing unit will provide employment opportunities to local youth and at the same time the local small scale units will play supportive role to the company.

Smt. Anandiben Patel invited Dr. Chen to visit ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit-2015’ to be held here in January 2015.

The meeting was also attended by MaxxisGroup’s Vice President Mr. Leo, Manager Mr. K. Y. Hue & Company’s Manager for Indian operation Mr. Grey Liew.

Realty major Brigade Group to invest INR 500 crore in GIFT as co-developer

October 17, 2014

Bangalore-based realty major Brigade Group has announced that it will invest INR 500 crore in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT


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City), India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) over next few years. An allotment of 1.1 mn. sq ft of BUA (built up area) has been made to Brigade Group for development of Commercial, Residential, Retail Mall and Hotel projects in SEZ & non-SEZ Area in GIFT City.

The Group has also submitted their interest for taking additional 1.7 mn. sq. ft. of BUA to be developed at an estimated investment of INR 600 crore, showing their intention to take a long position in development of India’s first Global Financial Hub at GIFT City.

Brigade Group has significant presence in southern India, including cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi etc. and is known for their high standards and quality of development across various facilities.

Mr. Ramakant Jha, MD & Group CEO, GIFT Company Ltd said that the investment on such a large scale by south-India based group is a testimony of the opportunities that this project offers. Brigade Group’s reputation of developing Grade ‘A’ properties and experience across all real estate domains would provide synergies with the world-class services and infrastructure that GIFT City would offer.

Speaking on the development, M.R. Jaishankar, CMD of Brigade Group said they are pleased to be co-developers in GIFT City which is considered as a real Smart City in the country. The development covering more than 800 acres is beautifully planned with world class infrastructure which will set a benchmark in real estate development in the country.

Vibrant Gujarat Sports Summit: Decoding Sports Ecosystem

October 17, 2014

As part of Vibrant Gujarat 2015 pre-summit events, “Vibrant Gujarat Sports Summit: Decoding Sports Ecosystem” was organized at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The summit was inaugurated by Shri. NanubhaiVanani, Hon’ble Sports Minister, Government ofGujarat and Shri. Bhupendrasinh Chudasama,

Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of Gujarat. The event was graced by Shri. Ajit M. Sharan, IAS, Secretary, Sports, Government of India; Dr. G S G Ayyangar, IAS, Joint Secretary, Sports, Government of India; Shri. Bhagyesh Jha, IAS, Secretary, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Departments, Government of Gujarat; Dr. Grayson Perry, Australian Trade Commissioner and Counselor Commercial and Mr. Rajpal Singh, Director, Sports and Youth Affairs, FICCI.

The summit included a panel discussion on the topic Sports Infrastructure. A special emphasis was given to the need of better sports infrastructure for rapid progress in sports. The discussion also focused on optimum utilization of stadiums, ease accessibility of sports to everyone, need of domestic industry players to build the sports infrastructure. The panel


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discussion was followed by the presentation on Sports Management and Career Oriented Vocational Courses in Sports in which distinguished speakers from Australia share their expertise and knowledge on the subject.

The event also showcased a case study on High Performance Center by Pullela Gopichand, a well-known badminton player. The case study features the best practices adapted in the Gopichand Badminton Academy, Hyderabad. He identified lack of availability of the basic facility to the players as one of the major barriers. The other case study was Best Practices in Developing Sports Ecosystem, in which success story of Sports Promotion Programs in Netherlands was discussed.

The second panel discussion of the summit was on Traditional Rural Sports: Creating Bridges for the Stars of Tomorrow”. This session focused on promoting traditional sports in parallel with modern sports.

In the summit, a special emphasis was given on promoting women in the sports and the presentation on “Promoting & Empowering Women in Sports” provided just the right way forward to equal participation of women and men. The last presentation of the summit was on the topic on “Managing Excellence in Sports Performance”, which was focused on the need of nurturing the talent.

“Vyayam Setu”, International Multilingual Biannual International Journals of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, was unveiled by the special guests. In the summit two MOUs were signed. One was between Swarnim Gujarat Sports University (SGSU) and SEDA. And the other was between Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) & Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, Hyderabad.

The seminar successfully concluded with the vote of thanks by Mr. Rajpal Singh, Director, Sports and Youth Affairs, FICCI.

Australia was the official partner for the event. The event was supported by SEDA and Deakin as partner organizations. The event witnessed a wide participation from around 1000 delegates including eminent sportspersons, representatives from Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), representatives of the sports industry, representatives from Sports Associations, sports administrators and practitioners, Director of Physical education of various colleges, Vice-Chancellors of different sports universities and students.

US-India trade body to partner in Vibrant Gujarat summit

October 17, 2014

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) will lead a US delegation of Fortune 500 CEOs and senior executives to the Vibrant Gujarat 2015 summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in January 2015. This will be USIBC`s fourth, and most prominent participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit as a Partner Organization with the Gujarat Government.

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Ms. Diane Farrell said that USIBC is pleased to once again be a part of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, having long supported the pro-business environment of the state. She added that the summit provides a fantastic opportunity for our member companies to enhance their association in fields ranging from infrastructure to tourism, education to entertainment.

USIBC`s participation comes on the heels of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi`saddress to the US business community when the council indicated that India could receive USD 41 billion plus from US companies over the next 2-3 years.

Since its inception in 2003 the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors` Summit has brought together global thought leaders, policy makers, academia, investors and industrialists on a commonplatform in an effort to showcase India`s potential as a business partner.

USIBC which first participated in Vibrant Gujarat in November 2008 congratulated the Gujarat government on its continued commitment to hosting this important globally focused event. According to the officials from USIBC, they look forward to the valuable insights and relationships the delegation will gain by attending the Summit.

Urban Development & Urban Housing Department organizes seminar on Urban Design & Planning: Looking at Smarter Options

October 19, 2014

Indian cities are rapidly changing and urban planning & designs will play a bigger role than ever in sustaining the cities and driving growth of the country. As per estimates in India around 700 million people will be living in the country's urban centres by 2050. With such a steady rise in population, the face of villages and small towns shall change to become large cities. Population growth, urban development and environmental sustainability shall be the major challenges for the cities, not only in India but across the globe. The rapid increase in India's urban population shall put tremendous pressure on available public utilities and facilities in the cities.

In wake of such issues, the Urban Development & Urban Housing Department organized a seminar on “Urban Design & Planning: Looking at Smarter Options” on 17th October, 2014.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Anandiben Patel inaugurated the event and said that our cities have to be just not livable, but also lovable.

Gujarat has positively accepted the multi-faceted challenges of urbanization and have begun to conceive the idea of building smart cities in the state. Gujarat International Finance Tec-City which is being developed as fully-functional smart city is a step in the direction, she added. Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Freddy Svane and Consul General of United States, Mr. Thomas Vajda also attended the



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event. Both of them extended their hands to collaborate with Gujarat in every manner to develop the smart cities in the state. Shri Jayantibhai Kavadiya, Hon’ble Minister of Panchayat, Rural Housing and Rural Development with independent charge, Dr Varesh Sinha, IAS, Chief Secretary, Dr. S K Nanda, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department) were among the other distinguished guests in the seminar.

Mr. Thomas Vajda stated in his special address that “We recognise the importance of Vibrant Gujarat summit as a platform to support the India-US economic engagement. There is increasing interest in the US about economic opportunities in India. Within India, Gujarat has a reputation of a very hospitable destination to attract investment”.

The event was well attended by around 600 delegates from five countries like United States, Denmark, United Kingdom, UAE and Germany and from 24 states of India. United States and Denmark supported the seminar as Partner Country. IGBC ( Indian Green Building Council), Institute of Town Planners, India and The Indian Institute of Architects also supported the event as Partner organization. KPMG and CII were the Knowledge Partner and National Partner for the event respectively.

Deliberations on concept of Smart cities, Innovative transport solutions, Role of ICT in making cities smarter etc. took place during the event. Senior representatives from firms and government bodies like Milton Keynes Council, Masdar City, CISCO, KPMG, IGBC, IL&FS etc. presented their views on problems and solutions in implementing smart cities in India.

Mr. Aameer Azeemi from Cisco said that Smart cities mean smart connected communities while Mr. Venkatachari Raghavan from Tata Consultancy Services highlighted that in case of

smart cities real smartness starts when citizens become intelligent. Moreover technology is just an enabler and it does not make cities smart or smarter. Mr. Gaurish Wagle from Masdar City, UAE and Mr. Neil Sainsbury from Milton Keynes Council, UK presented their work on Design & Planning and Transport Solution to make cities smarter.

Mr. Pankaj Gupta, Senior Vice President from IL&FS who is based in Gujarat for development of GIFT City said that smart city uses Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) to enhance livability, workability and sustainability of the city and presented on GIFT City. Mr. D. S. Meshram, President, Institute of Town Planners, India said implementation or realizing of plans on ground level is more important than preparing them. Upcoming Dholera smart city on Delhi- Mumbai Industrial Corridor in Gujarat was one of the focus area for discussion among the speakers as this is one of the first smart city projects in India which will be implemented as Greenfield project from the scratch. Discussion on India’s first financial hub “GIFT City” also took place as the city is based on the concept of smart city and first of its kind in India.

Texcon 2014 - ‘Thrust area for Indian textile sector is output & jobs’

October 20, 2014

Texcon 2014 was organized on 15th-16th October at New Delhi by CII – an apex tradebody. Addressing the gathering at Texcon 2014,

Hon’ble Finance Minister of Gujarat, Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel, said that in recent times the thrust area for textile industry is to increase production and employment opportunities in India.

He emphasized that the strength of Indian


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textile sector lies in ginning and spinning, while there is a need to focus on weaving and processing sectors. He further expressed the need of giving more thrust on the garment industry as it is a labour intensive industry providing more employment opportunities. He also stressed on the point that the major issue of the textile industry is unavailability of skilled labour and for this the government is setting up skill development centres and Centres of Excellence.

Phani Choudhary, Secretary in the Bangladesh Ministry of Textiles and Jute, informed that the Bangladesh textile and apparel sector has grown at a CAGR of 15% in the last seven years. He added that the factors leading to the highgrowth rate are competitive labour forces, innovativeness of entrepreneurs and MFA and duty free quota. He also mentioned that today the only challenge faced by the industry is to look into the occupational health and safety standards to reduce the accidents.

Sunaina Tomar, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Textiles, Government of India said that the keychallenges faced by the textile industry are finance cost, land & environment clearances and labour reforms which need to addressed. She added that there is a need to focus on economies of scale, infrastructure, skill development, technology development and brand promotion. She also mentioned that the

government shall be focusing on linkage of fashion and handlooms in order to boost the handloom sector.

Thomas Varghese, Chairman, CII National Committee on Textiles and CEO - Aditya Birla Group, was of the opinion that ‘Brand India’ is yet to make its presence felt on global brands and retail chains, which left a tremendous scope on the global platform.

Prashant Agarwal, Joint Managing Director at Wazir Advisors, informed that from 1995 to 2013, the Indian textile and apparel sector grew at a higher rate of 9% against the 5% global growth rate, and in 2013, India became the second largest exporter of textile and apparel inthe world. He added that Indian domestic consumption is increasing at a growth rate of 11% for last five years and a growing Indian economy, will lead to higher domestic demand and also exports, which needs establishing large integrated set-ups.

Jim Brett, President of West Elm Williams Sonoma Inc, USA said that India has unique opportunity and competitive edge over China in handloom and handicraft sector and skill development and vocational training programs will take India forefront to handloom and handicraft global market.

The conference was attended by over 200 participants with eminent speakers from companies like William Sonoma Inc USA, Reliance Industries Ltd, Birla Cellulose, LMW, Batliboi, Rieter and many more.

Gujarat government to set up 'Electronic Mission' to boost product manufacturing

October 21, 2014

In a bid to give fillip to indigenous


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manufacturing of electronics products and attract investment in the sector, Gujarat government has proposed to set up ‘Gujarat Electronics Mission’ under the new draft Electronics Policy (2014-19) for the state. The mission will identify and facilitate formation of Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) and set up offices in different countries to attract investments to Gujarat from those countries in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.

Under the new policy, government has proposed slew of sops for the new and existing units including exemption of 100 per cent VAT (value added tax) on products manufactured and sold in Gujarat for an initial period of five years, interest subsidy for five years at the rate of 7 percent for micro enterprises, 5 per cent for small & medium enterprises and 2 per cent for large industries having an actual investment up to INR 100 crore. Maximum amount of interest subsidy per annum shall be INR 25 lakh for MSMEs and INR 50 lakh for large units.

According to state government officials, the Electronic Mission will be set up under the department of Science and Technology and will be responsible for the implementation of the Electronics Policy (2014-19). Till the mission becomes fully functional, the industries commissionarate will be the nodal agency for

the implementation of the new policy which will be announce soon.

Besides facilitating the formation of EMCs, the mission will also work towards attracting top design companies in ESMD sector to invest in Gujarat. It will also set up incubation centers to encourage small entrepreneurs and start-ups in the ESDM sector.

Under the new electronic policy, the state government targets to establish Gujarat as “globally-recognized hub for the ESDM industry with a turnover of USD 16 billion, investment of USD 12 billion and to create employment opportunities for half a million people by 2020.

To attract investments in the ESDM sector the state government has proposed sops ranging from VAT exemption, power tariff subsidy, interest subsidy to name a few. It has been proposed that slab-based power tariff subsidy will be made available to the electronics hardware manufacturing mega projects for an initial period of five years. Those mega projects purchasing electricity only from the power distribution companies will be eligible for this subsidy. New units will also be provided 100 per cent exemption on electricity duty for a period of five years from the date of commencement of production which will be subject to a ceiling of100 per cent of capital investment.

Besides exemption from stamp duty and registration fee in case of lease, sale or transfer of land for the first time, new units or existing one carrying out expansion will also get full VAT exemption on products manufactured and sold in Gujarat for a period of five years.

In the next five years the state government targets to set up at least four greenfield and two brown field EMCs with infrastructure like sea, air and inland connectivity.


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Gujarat set to get biggest piece of 'Make in India' pie

October 21, 2014

Gujarat is likely to benefit the most from his 'Make in India' programme with many big-ticket investments being planned for the western state. A number of plants were inaugurated recently in the state, while a few others are in the pipeline.

American drug maker Abbott commissioned its first greenfield factory in Jhagadia - around 156 km south of Ahmedabad - to make nutritional products, which they were importing from Singapore and Europe so far. German major BASF inaugurated its chemical manufacturing plant in Dahej - around 180 km south of Ahmedabad - with an investment of INR 1,000 crore, representing the company's single largest investment in India.

Both the plants were inaugurated in October by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel in the presence of top officials from the state government.

While most such projects were in the pipeline, preparing to be launched, the execution of theplan has been extraordinarily fast in some cases.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI)

project. Though the first buzz about the country's largest two-wheeler maker taking interest in setting up its fourth manufacturing plant in India had come about a year ago, the subsequent processes such as identification and acquisition of land, along with required approvals, were completed with lightning speed. HMSI laid the foundation stone for its plant in Vithalapur - around 90 km northwest of Ahmedabad - in the Mandal region.

US-based auto major Ford Motor Company's Indian arm Ford India is also set to commission commercial production at its plant in Sanand -around 22 km southwest of Ahmedabad. The plant, coming up next to the Tata Motors facility, entails an investment of USD 1 billion. The company plans to make 240,000 cars and 270,000 engines from the factory.

R C Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd recently mentioned that the Indo-Japanese car maker is planning to start work at its Hansalpurfacility in Mandal (near HMSI's upcoming plant) by the end of this year.

The region, which has seen an influx of Japanese companies off late, would also see another Japanese auto maker starting operations. Honda Cars India has started buying land for its thirdplant in the country, signing of agreement with the state government could happen soon.

Apart from the pharma and auto majors, many FMCG players are also expected to invest in manufacturing, particularly in Gujarat. Nivea India, an affiliate of the Beiersdorf AG, started its green-field plant in Sanand recently, whereas P&G-Teva joint venture is also working on its Sanand project.

According to sources Colgate is also setting up a plant at Sanand with an investment of around INR 200 crore.


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Vadodara Municipal Corporation plans to generate rooftop solar power

October 22, 2014

Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) plans to nurture a project that would generate energy by installing rooftop solar plants on three large establishments of the civic body. The VMC would earn revenue from the project without having to make any expenses.

The civic body's standing committee cleared a proposal regarding the solar energy project. The civic body was approached by an agency recognized by Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL) for the project.

The proposal before the standing committee stated that the agency had proposed to give the civic body INR 2 per unit as a green incentive for setting up the project. The agency is already in the process of implementing projects generating five megawatt solar energy in the city.

The agency has zeroed down upon three locations - the Khanderao Market headquarters of VMC, Manjalpur outdoor sports complex and

Sama indoor sports complex - for setting up the project. At Manjalpur sports complex, solar

panels will be installed both on the roof of the complex and its parking area.

In the budget for the current financial year too, the VMC has proposed such projects. It had proposed to spend INR 2 crore on the project.

Another Bombay Stock Exchange tower in GIFT city, Gujarat

October 23, 2014

The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), the first of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi’s ambitious plans to build 100 smart cities, will soon have in place an iconic futuristic green tower for members of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Brokers’ Forum.

The BSE Brokers’ Forum has decided to invest INR 1.2 billion (Dh72 million) to set up this tower with the intention of setting up their back-office operations to this new location as it will offer modern facilities at a significantly low cost.

The forum has been allotted 300,000 square feet for development of a commercial building and it is expected that the BSE may also set upan exchange office in this new building at GIFT. The BSE Brokers’ Forum has been playing a vital role in the development of the capital market in


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general and trading members in particular. Currently, the BSE brokers hold around 40 per cent equity in the BSE.

With more than 5,000 companies being listed on the exchange, BSE is the world’s number one exchange in terms of listed members. A significant growth is expected in the Indian equity and commodity markets in future and in this regard, GIFT city will offer world-class back-office operation facilities at very competitive rates.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure, GIFT city is emerging as a location not to be missed out by various financial institutions for setting up their operations. Leading banks like State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, Corporation Bank, HDFC Bank and others have already been allotted space in this new smart city.

Planned as an international financial services centre, in the coming years it is expected to have more stock exchanges from across the world, with the Gujarat government hoping GIFT will emerge as India’s first international financial services centre and offer offshore banking facilities. Allotments have also been made for the World Trade Centre, ICSE School, training centre, business club, retail mall, hotels and residential apartments.

Interestingly, the phenomenal development of Dubai International Finance Centre, Dubai Multi Commodity Centre and Dubai Metro has inspired and spurred the Gujarat government to decide on tie-ups with these organizations to develop and promote GIFT city.

GIFT city, a government of Gujarat project inpartnership with IL&FS, was conceptualizedsince it was felt India is not able to fully realize its vast potential in financial service because Indian cities do not have the required infrastructure. If India wants to compete with

international hubs, it was felt its cities will have to provide global standards in infrastructure, office space, internet telephone connectivity and lifestyle opportunities which would attract top talent.

GIFT city is estimated to provide 500,000 direct and an equal number of indirect jobs which would require 62 million sq ft of real estate office and residential space.

Solargise to use USD 200 million to set up 3,000 Megawatt projects

October 26, 2014

UK-based solar power firm Solargise plans to invest USD 200 million (INR 1,200 crore) in setting up about 3,000 mw of both self-generated and EPC projects in the next two to three years through its Indian subsidiary Solargise Grapp Energies.

The company has already bagged few projects under the state governments’ solar mission plans across Rajasthan and Bihar and is in the process of tying up few projects in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The company has a turnover of INR 1,000 crore at present and expect to become around INR


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10,000 crore company in the next four to five years. Recently, Solargise acquired majority stake in India based renewable energy firm GRAPP Energies and its subsidiary Green Ripples.

Mr. H D Khunteta, president of institutional finance at Solargise Grapp Energies Group, informed that the order book of GRAPP Energies and project pipeline is in excess of 250 mw altogether. Additionally, Solargise is developing a 200 mw project in Gujarat.

Both companies have presence in the domestic market for almost four years now, and have executed 80 off-grid solar power projects during this period. GRAPP has recently secured over 200 mw project in northern and western India and EPC orders for over 145 mw.

Mr. Raj Basu, the founder of the company, has committed to invest in Gujarat and Rajasthan to build solar power plants, photovoltaic modules manufacturing and a research and development facility.

Solargise has presence in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and London. Its group company Capital and Equity Investments owns the project rights to 200 mw MoU with the Gujarat government.

Statue of Unity will boost tourism and facilitate employment opportunities

October 27, 2014

The work order for construction of 182-meter tall Statue of Unity was issued to L&T Company in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister ofGujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel. Shri K Srinivas, IAS, Member Secretary of Sardar VallabhbhaiPatel Rashtriya Ekta Trust formally handed over

the work order to S N Subrahmanyan, board member of L&T.

Statue of Unity will be the world’s largest statue, a structure that will be 182 m tall, twice as tall as Statue of Liberty. Hon’ble Chief Minister said that this is a step forward towards realizing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’svision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Visitors at this statue will be able to get a picturesque view of Narmada dam from a height of almost 450 feet. Thus this memorial will help boost tourism in the state and facilitate employment opportunities.

The CM said that the construction work of the statue will be completed in four years at a cost of INR 2,989 crores. The Government of India had in its last budget allotted INR 200 crores for this purpose, thus declaring it as a national project.

Amazon planning new fulfilment centrein Gujarat

November 2, 2014

World's largest online retailer Amazon is planning to expand its infrastructure in India with its second 'fulfilment' centre in Gujarat as part of the company's USD 2 billion investmentplan for the country. Over the next few years this investment will support its rapid growth and


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enhance customer and seller experience.

According to sources, the US-based firm has approached the Gujarat government for setting up the centre next year and the firm is expected to start engaging with state government officials soon on the matter.

The company, which competes fiercely in the burgeoning e-Commerce market in India with local players like Flipkart, Snapdeal and other smaller firms, already has a network of seven centres across the country totaling over half a million square feet area.

According to sources the new centre will bring significant benefits to the state in terms of investment, employment, enhanced revenues as well as scaling up of small and medium businesses. Besides providing affordable goods to consumers, it will also give a boost to various ancillary industries in Gujarat.

Amazon currently has a total of 7 fulfilment centres on the outskirts of Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Tauru(outskirts of Gurgaon).

According to sources Amazon sees Gujarat as an "ideal state" given the ease of doing business, world class infrastructure, industry-friendly policies and growing consumer demand.

Amazon senior executives had met Hon’ble Finance and Energy Minister of Gujarat, Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel and other senior officialsfrom the state government last month to discuss the company's expansion plans and explore partnership options.

TBEA Energy to facilitate for setting up industrial park in Gujarat

November 2, 2014

According to state government officials, Chinese transformer maker TBEA Energy will act as a facilitator to help interested companies set up manufacturing base in the state, especially in Karjan near Vadodara, where the firm is already setting up INR 2,500 crore Green Energy Park.

As a part of the first phase of the project, the company has already set up INR 1,000 crore ultra-high voltage transformer plant at Karjan, which was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Smt. Anandiben Patel in June 2014.

According to a senior government official, TBEA had acquired some additional land (to the tune of 80 to 100 acres) when it began the process of setting up its Green Energy Park, and interested companies can come up in the area, where TBEA would sort of act as an anchor investor.

TBEA is an enterprise group which is accredited by Chinese government, to be engaged in foreign economic and technical cooperation and to undertake national external assistance projects in four industrial fields, transmission, transformation, new energy and advanced materials. TBEA is the core enterprise of China's major electrical equipment manufacturing industry, and is the first listed transformer enterprise of China.


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Filatex plans to start production line for value-added products

November 3, 2014

The New Delhi-based polyester filament yarns producer Filatex India Ltd is planning to add a production line to manufacture downstream value-added products at its Dahej site in Gujarat. The company will invest INR 200-250 crore for this project, and it expects the new production line to enhance its profitability.

The Board of Directors of the company has considered and approved a proposal for putting up certain plants & machinery for manufacturing of downstream value added products at its existing unit at Dahej to enable the company to enhance its profitability and long term economic viability at an approximate cost of INR 200-250 crores.

Filatex is one of the leading manufacturers of monofilament yarns for zippers, tooth brush bristles, velcro, magic fasteners and forming fabrics in India. The company also manufactures fully drawn yarns (FDY), which is used for better quality fabric.

In August 2012, Filatex started its own poly-condensation plant envisaging 600 metric tonne (MT) per day of poly-condensation and 300 MT per day of polyester partially oriented yarn (poy) at Dahej, Gujarat. By putting up this unit, the company joined the league of major POY manufacturers in the country.

US will be 8th Partner Country for Vibrant Gujarat 2015 Summit

November 3, 2014

The Gujarat government made it official that the United States will be one of the partner countries for the state government’s flagship investor meet, the Vibrant Gujarat 2015 Summit. US will be the eighth country to partner the event. Other partner countries include UK, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Africa and Japan.

The government of Gujarat had received a proposal from US government showing interest in becoming partner country for the Vibrant Gujarat 2015 Summit. It will be for the first time that US will be partnering the Vibrant Gujarat event, a brain child of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendrabhai Modi, which has evolved over the past decade into an international event where industry stalwarts participate and discuss investment plans.

Shri. P. Swaroop, IAS, Managing Director, Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb) announced that US is now partner country for the Vibrant Gujarat 2015 Summit. iNDEXTb is the nodal agency for the event.

Earlier, US Consul General in Mumbai, Mr. Thomas Vajda had said that US recognized the importance of Vibrant Gujarat Summit as a platform to support the India-US economic engagement. He had also said that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendrabhai Modi’s visit to the US will re-energies both the governments to look at a whole range of issues. He added that the visit has also brought excitement among the business community in the US.

The Vibrant Gujarat 2013 had witnessed participation from nearly 121 countries with over 2,100 foreign delegates and around 58,000


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Indian delegates. Japan and Canada were the Partner Countries for the summit and there were Partner Organizations like JETRO, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), US India Business Council (USIBC), UK India Business Council (UKIBC) & Australia India Business Council (AIBC). As many as 17,719 Investment Intentions and 2,670 Strategic Partnerships were signed in the areas of Technology transfer, R&D, Education, etc. during the summit.

The earlier edition of the summit in 2011, witnessed investment commitment of staggering INR 20.83 lakh crore (USD 450 billion) as compared to INR 12.37 lakh crore proposed in Vibrant Gujarat summit of 2009. The Vibrant Gujarat is a biennial event organized since 2003 by the Gujarat government to attract investment to the state.

Simpolo to set up joint venture with Italy-based Emilceramica

November 4, 2014

Indian wall and floor tiles maker SimpoloCeramics plans to set up a joint venture with Italy-based Emilceramica Group at Gujarat's ceramic hub of Morbi with an investment of INR 125 crore. Simpolo Ceramics Chairman and Managing Director Jitendra Aghara and Emilceramica CEO William Tioli signed an agreement to set up the plant at Morbi district in Gujarat.

Mr. Anil Bijawat informed that Simpolo Ceramics will set up a joint venture with the Emilceramicagroup to start manufacturing facility at Morbi in Gujarat, having an annual capacity of 3.5 million square meters. He added that the new plant is expected to start manufacturing by the end of year 2016.

Mr. Bijawat further mentioned that greenfield tile manufacturing plant would generate

employment to about 400 people, adding that the joint venture would export 50 per cent of the production to Europe, United States of America (USA) and South American countries.

After analyzing the Indian market for more than two and a half years, Emilceramica's CEO Luca Majochi informed that the company has decided to provide "cost-effective" products, since the Indian market is price sensitive.

Vibrant MoUs have 61% success rate

November 5, 2014

The 7th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit (VGGIS) is being organized during 11th – 13th January, 2015. The focus is on maximum participation and ensuring a good success ratio of the memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed during the summit.

In the past six summits, the government succeeded in registering an overall success of 61% in realization of MoUs signed. Around 15% of the MoUs signed were dropped later or failed to take off in the absence of environment and other clearances, or because of backtracking by the companies. According to sources in the state industry & mines department, out of total 30,433 MoUs signed from 2003 to 2013, 18,526 have already been commissioned or are under implementation. From 2003 to 2013, MoUs worth around INR 50 lakh crore were signed.


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For the first time, the United States of America (USA), Britain, Canada, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore and South Africa are partner countries of the event and around 125 countries are expected to participate.

Suzlon Energy installed world’s tallest hybrid wind generator turbine in Kutch

November 8, 2014

The largest wind turbine manufacturer SuzlonEnergy installed the world’s tallest hybrid wind generator turbine in Kutch, Gujarat. The turbine will generate 12-15 percent more energy.

The 120-metre hybrid turbine is taller than conventional wind turbine towers by 40 meters. With this new turbine, the installed wind energy capacity at the Kutch region of Gujarat has gone up to 1100 MW. This makes it the Asia’s biggest wind energy park at one location.

This tower is ideal for low wind areas and the potential is huge. In the next three years, this region will have 2000 MW of wind energy capacity. In 2008, the Suzlon Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gujarat Government to set up 2000 MW of wind energy capacity in the state.

Established in 1995, Suzlon is a leading windpower products and services company with a global footprint. Suzlon is credited with

developing one of the world’s largest wind farms in the western Indian state of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The company has presence across six continents: North and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Africa. The Suzlon Group has built its presence in over 31 countries and has achieved a milestone by crossing over 25000 MW of wind power installations globally.

Petronet LNG to invest INR 1,100 crore in Dahej ramp-up to 17.5 MTPA

November 8, 2014

Petronet LNG is planning to take the total capacity of Dahej terminal to 17.5 million tonne per annum (MTPA). The terminal is currently being ramped up from 10 MTPA to 15 MTPA.

Mr. AK Balyan, Managing Director and CEO of Petronet LNG explained that the idea is to take up the additional 2.5-mtpa expansion along with the undergoing expansion programme that is to be completed by November 2016. According to him the expansion from 15 mtpa to 17.5 mtpawould cost INR 1,000-1,100 crore. He further mentioned that the detailed study for this will be commenced shortly.

Already, companies including HPCL have


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expressed interest in booking capacity in the terminal. During the July-September quarter, the Dahej terminal operated at 117% capacity. Further expansion will require one more tank and re-gasification facilities. At present, Petronethas four storage tanks and two more are being built as part of expansion to 15 mtpa.

In addition, Petronet has leased storage at the Kochi LNG terminal to UK’s BG Group, which will import one cargo, store it at Kochi and take it out in January. Also, the company is now sending LNG via trucks to some customers.

Magneti Marelli India to set up new plant for lighting at Sanand in Gujarat

November 10, 2014

Magneti Marelli, the component arm of Italian carmaker Fiat SpA, is increasing its investments and level of commitment in India. As part of this expansion, the company is setting up a new plant for lighting at Sanand in Gujarat to meet the requirements of two important customers –Maruti Suzuki and Ford India. They both are in the process of establishing their manufacturing footprint in the state.

Saju Mookken, country manager of MagnetiMarelli India (MMI) informed that this is the first time that they are entering Gujarat as MagnetiMarelli does not have a presence in the state so far. Explaining their plan, he further added that they plant to cater to carmakers who are

establishing their plants there for instance Maruti Suzuki and Ford.

The MMI plant will be commissioned by mid-2015 with the construction currently underway. Lighting in cars is evolving in India moving from conventional lamps to LEDs, projectorheadlamps, light guides and ambience lighting and the component maker visualizes more investments in this area with the demand for more advanced lighting systems by the automotive industry.

The company is building capacity and increasing its presence in the country to meet the growing demand in the passenger car market. It recently set up a Technical Centre at Manesar with a team of 350 people. Its head count will be further raised to 500 staffers by end of next year to show the country’s growing importance for Magneti Marelli (MM).

MM is also a supplier of automated manual transmissions (AMTs) for Maruti Suzuki and is in the process of localizing its production as the AMT kits are currently imported from Italy. The local plant that is coming up at Manesar is under construction with the first products to roll out by end-Q2 of 2015.

Gujarat government announces Electronic Policy, eyes USD 6 billion investments

November 12, 2014

The Gujarat government announced Electronic Policy (2014-2019) envisaging investment of USD 6 billion (approx. INR 36,800 crore) for the sector and generation of employment opportunities for half a million people by 2020.

The government will also to set up 'Gujarat Electronics Mission' under the new policy. The


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mission will identify and facilitate formation of Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) and set up offices in different countries to attract investments to Gujarat from those countries in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.

Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel, Hon’ble Finance Minister of Gujarat, announced the policy which aims to give fillip to indigenous manufacturing of electronics products and attract investment in the sector. It plans to create a favorable investor-friendly ecosystem across the entire value chain of electronic system and manufacturing. Under the new electronic policy, the state government targets to establish Gujarat as "globally-recognized hub for the ESDM industry.

Further, under the new policy the state government has proposed slew of sops for the new and existing units including exemption on VAT (value added tax) on products manufactured and sold in Gujarat for an initial period of five years, interest subsidy for five years for micro enterprises, small & medium enterprises and large industries having an actual investment up to INR 100 crore. Maximum amount of interest subsidy per annum shall be INR 25 lakh for MSMEs and INR 50 lakh for large units.

The government will provide a special incentive package for mega projects, which employ more than 500 people with fresh investment of over INR 250 crore, VAT refund equal to 90 per cent of capital investment. It will also give interest subsidy for five years at the rate of 7 per cent for micro enterprises, 5 per cent for small & medium enterprises and 2 per cent for large industries having an actual investment up to INR 100 crore.

The incentives also include 100 per cent exemption on electricity duty for five years, power tariff subsidy of Re 1 for electronics

manufacturing units. The units will also get an employment generation grant with upper limit of INR 5 lakh per annum against employer provident fund contribution.

Besides exemption from stamp duty and registration fee in case of lease, sale or transfer of land for the first time, new units or existing one carrying out expansion will also get VAT exemption on products manufactured and sold in Gujarat for a period of five years.

South Korean Ambassador visits Gujarat: Posco to invest 20 million USD in the state

November 12, 2014

One of the world’s biggest steel manufacturer –Posco- is expected to be the first major South Korean investor in Gujarat. According to the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea, H. E. Joongyu Lee, the company has firmed up plans to invest 20 million USD (INR 123 crore) in building a steel coil mill in Gujarat.

The South Korean steel giant already holdsabout 26 percent equity in Posco PoggenampElectrical Steel Pvt Ltd that has operations in Gujarat. The Ambassador said that South Korean investment in Gujarat is minimal and he further elaborated that the delegation plans to explore opportunities. The Ambassador is leading a 60-member delegation from South Korea which includes representatives from the Posco Group.

The Ambassador met Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Smt. Anandiben Patel at Gandhinagar. A round-table meeting between Korean corporate executives and state government officials was also held. H. E. Joongyu Lee mentioned that Gujarat government has proposed to build an exclusive zone for Korean companies in Gujarat. He added that the meeting with Gujarat


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government officials were more an exchange of ideas. Further he mentioned that companies like Samsung and LG are keen to explore opportunities in Gujarat.

The Ambassador also addressed the Korea-Gujarat friendship forum held at Ahmedabad where he traced back Korean and Indian bilateral ties to a 2000 year-old-incident where according to Lee an Indian princess from Ayodhya, travelled all the way to Korea and married a Korean King. He added that one-fourth of the population of Korea including him, were descendants of this Korean-Indian couple.

According to him the size of bilateral trade between India and Korea stood at 17 billion USD and more than 450 Korean companies had invested 3.5 billion USD in India.

Talking about the opportunities for South Korean Companies in Gujarat, he added that SEZ of Gujarat and the DMIC corridor in Gujarat presents a lot of potential for future Korean investments in the state. He added that this could be in the areas of automobiles, infrastructure, petrochemicals, renewable energy, shipbuilding, textiles and tourism.

During the visit B2B networking session was hosted by Korea International Trade Association and a meeting of Small and medium companies was hosted by Korea Trade-Investment Promotion agency. Top leaders of the companies like Hyundai Motors, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Posco India, Doosan Power System India, Hyosung, Hyundai Construction, NugaMedical India, Seela Infra and others were part of the 60-member Korean delegation.

Polish Ambassador called on Gujarat Chief Minister

November 12, 2014

The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to India, H. E. Tomasz Lukaszuk held a meeting with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel at Gandhinagar.

Smt. Anandiben Patel stated that the association between Gujarat and Poland with regards to renewable energy sector like solar and wind power as well as the manufacturing sector will play a major role in making ‘Make In India’ Campaign a success.


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Referring to the long term relationship withPoland, Smt. Anandiben Patel recalled World War II and the circumstances it created. At that time, Jaam Saheb of Jamnagar-Navanagaradopted several polish widows and children and, against all odds, provided them a family-like life. She pointed out that the friendship and humanitarian brotherhood between India and Poland began from back then. She also expressed her wish to have the film produced on this incident ‘Mini Poland in India’ translated into Hindi and Gujarati to educate the current generation about this historic episode.

During this dialogue, the CM extended an invitation to the Ambassador for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and the Global CEO Conclave, and requested Poland to participate with their top level delegation and grace the event. To this end, Mr. Tomasz not only accepted the invitation but also assured participation from the leading industry operators and delegates.

Principal Secretary to the CM Shri. K. Kailashnathan, IAS, Principal Secretary (Industry), Mr. D. J. Pandian, IAS, Chief Secretary to Government of Gujarat and Shri. Ajay Bhadoo, IAS, Secretary to CM were also present at the meeting.

Government of Gujarat is focusing on each and every facet of urban and sub-urban development – Gujarat Chief Minister

November 13, 2014

Municipalika 2014- International Conference & Exhibition on Emerging Trends in SustainableHabitat & Integrated Cities, was organized on 13-15th November, 2014. Addressing the event, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel, said that Government of Gujarat is committed to take urban development as an opportunity and not just as a challenge. She added that the state government is intensively focusing on every facet of urban and sub-urban development across Gujarat.

Sharing the significance of Rurban concept, the CM said that it is important to bridge the gap between the rural and urban development. Through Rurban initiative, the state government is providing urban amenities in rural areas, thus keeping the soul of villages intact. Hon’ble Chief Minister shared that focus is given on integrated affordable mass transport, quality of life of urban poor, urban safety, hygiene and sanitation. She added that on one hand Gujarat is building smart cities like Dholera and GIFT, and on the other, the state is focusing equally on providing affordable housing to the poor and free houses to the slum-dwellers.

Smt. Anandiben Patel urged the people to participate in ‘Swachh Bharat’ cause and make it a mass movement. She added that it is important to make Gujarat open-defecation-free and litter-free, only then it will become clean, healthy and green.

She urged institutions, professionals, corporate bodies to contribute to the nation-wide


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cleanliness drive in their own way and take it up as social responsibility. She shared the variousinitiatives that are planned by the state government to spread the cleanliness drive in schools, hospitals and public places across Gujarat in the coming months.

On the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister gave away awards to the young architects from across India who participated in the Urban Innovation Challenge and came up with ideas for smart cities and green buildings. Shri. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Union Minister, Urban Development was also present to grace the occasion.

Cadila looks to set up USD 16 million fund to back pharma startups

November 14, 2014

Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd is planning to set up a fund with a corpus of INR 50-100 crore (up to USD 16 million) to back individuals and startups involved in pharma business.

Mr. Rajiv Modi, chairman and managing director

of the firm, informed that it may come up with a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or similar vehicle.

Cadila has been developing and manufacturing pharmaceutical products in India and selling and distributing these in over eighty-five other countries around the world. Today, it is presentin more than forty-five therapeutic areas spread across twelve specialities, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, analgesics, haematinics, anti-infectives and antibiotics, respiratory agents, antidiabetics and immunologicals.

Cadila has a formulations manufacturing plant at Dholka near Ahmedabad, Gujarat is spread over hundred acres of land. Its second formulations manufacturing facility is located at Samba in Jammu and Kashmir.

Another drug maker Cipla has a similar programme under Cipla New Ventures (CNV), a venture investment unit focusing on investments in innovation-led businesses like research laboratories, young biotech and research and development (R&D) firms.

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International Delegations to promote Vibrant Gujarat 2015

Delegation to Taiwan and South Korea

October 7th – 16th, 2014

A 23 member government-business delegation led by Mr. S. J. Haider, IAS, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, visited Taiwan and South Korea from 7th – 16th October, 2014. The delegation visited Taipei, Hsinchu, Taoyuan, Kaohsiung and Changhua in Taiwan and Seoul, Songdo and Ulsan in South Korea.

In Taiwan, senior management personnel of major companies like China Steel Corporation(CSC), Maxxis International, TECO Motors, Inventec, Edge Core; trade associations such as Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA); Taiwan Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association(TEEMA) and Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry(TAMI) participated in the business seminar.

The delegation also interacted with government bodies such as Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), Ministry of Economic Affairs and HsinchuScience Park Bureau, Ministry of Science and Technology and premier Universities such as National Tsing Hua University (NTHU).

Additionally, the delegation also participated in TAITRONICS 2014, a major electronics industry event held from 6-9 October, 2014 in Taipei. The delegation also visited Hsinchu Science Park(HSP), the first science park initiated byTaiwan in 1980 and UMC, a world leading semiconductor foundry at HSP.

In South Korea, Vibrant Gujarat Roadshows were organized at Ulsan and Seoul.

The delegation held meetings with the Ambassador of India, Seoul and senior officials of companies such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, POSCO, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Hyundai Motors, CISCO Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME); Academic institutes such as Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Sogang University.

Moreover, the delegation members visited Songdo Smart City, Ulsan Petrochemical Complex and Korea Electronics Show 2014.

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Mandir, has been converted into a smallmuseum about him, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his very few possessions and a nice library of books either by him or relating to Gandhian philosophy and practice.

Sabarmati Ashram: also known as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram, or Satyagraha Ashram) is located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, adjoining the Ashram Road, on the banks of the River Sabarmati, four miles from the town hall. This was one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi, who lived there for about twelve years along with his wife, Kasturba Gandhi. It was from his base here that Gandhi led the Dandi march also known as the Salt Satyagraha on 12 March 1930. In recognition of the significant influence that this march had on the Indian independence movement the Indian government has established the ashram as a national monument.

The ashram now has a museum, the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay. This had originally been located in 'Hridaya Kunj', Gandhi's own cottage in the ashram. Then in 1963, having been designed by the architect Charles Correa, the museum was built. The Sangrahalay was then re-located into the well-designed and well-furnished museum building and was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India on 10 May 1963. One can get a sense of his life, the

Gandhi Circuit

The architect of the independence movement of India, Mahatma Gandhi, doesn’t need any introduction. Gujarat, being the motherland of such Mahatma, takes pride on her esteemed son. Regarded as “Father of the Nation”, Gandhiji loved his homeland more than anything and he had devoted his entire life for the betterment of the society. Today, you can find monuments spread across the state so as to acknowledge and respect his contribution to the nation.

Porbandar: On October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in a 3-storey blue haveli in the city of Porbandar, where his father, uncle and grandfather had all been prime ministers to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state. The city had been a prosperous trading center for centuries, conducting much commerce with Arabian and Persian Gulf countries, as well as East Africa, under the Mughals, the Marathas and the British. Now it is a city of industry, with cement and chemical factories ringing the city, contributing to a general griminess around town.

The site of Gandhi’s birth, now called Kirti

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shala initiative also introduced local weavers to the art of single ikat weaving leading to adistinctive Rajkot style of ikat saris which have gained acceptance in the market.

Bardoli: The city well known for “BardoliSatyagrah”, which was a movement of the local farmers of Bardoli in Gujarat. The peasant movement was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It was this city where Gandhiji launched a protest movement against various policies initiated by the British Government. Remembering this protest movement of farmers in Bardoli, an ashram known as Swaraj Ashram has been built. The Aitihasik Ambo, a mango tree, holds historic importance as under this tree Gandhiji famously declared that he would settle for nothing less than independent home-rule for India.

history of the movement and those who worked alongside him, at the museum that includesexcellent pictorial and written documentation, a library of Gandhian literature and paintings, and an immense archive of letters written by Gandhiji, every single one on the back of used paper..

Dandi: Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea near the city of Navsari, Dandi holds special importance in Indian independence movement. It was Dandi March which started off the largest freedom movement of India when Gandhiji, picked up a pinch of salt in protest of the British rule. He marched from Ahmedabad to Dandiwith some of his followers to protest against the imposition of a tax on salt.Thousands of people participated. They travelled continuously on foot for 24 days. Here, one can find the historic landmark where the Namak Satyagraha, also known as the Dandi March ended.

Rashtriyashala: Gandhiji returned back to Rajkot, the place of his former schooling in 1939 to help set up the Rashtriyashala, the first of many institutions expressly incubating the values of Swaraj and instigating a sense of pride leading to freedom from the colonial rule.

The shala (school) today imparts education and vocational training and has initiated projects in weaving khadi, cotton and manual oil pressing. A

Industrial Extension Bureau

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