Keeping a specific focus on the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector this time, the Gujarat government will be signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with countries like Italy, Kenya and Uganda during the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) 2009.
"Italy has become a hub of small and medium enterprises for Europe and we would like to capitalise on it. If Gujarat has to achieve sustainable development, the small industries' support system will have to be encouraged alongwith big industries. Therefore, unlike in previous summits, this time we are focusing a lot on SME sector and for this we are tying up with Italy. This will be for the first time that a state is signing an MoU with a country. We are also signing similar MoUs with Kenya and Uganda," said Narendra Modi, chief minister of Gujarat, during a press conference here.
Talking further about the summit, Modi said, "The summit will also see for the first time a developed country like Japan and its government partnering with a state like Gujarat. Such a partnership strengthens India's position among the Asian countries. Even the British House of Commons saw highest number of votes for the Vibrant Gujarat event motion among all the motions passed during the year."
Refusing to divulge details on number of investments expected during VGGIS, Modi said that the objective of the VGGIS 2009 is not to surpass the goals of investments. "Our intention is not limited to investments but to create an environment where investments are secure with faster and adequate returns and generate employment and employability in today's challenging times," he added.
To be held from January 11 to January 13, 2009, the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit will see around 37 countries participating in the event. Spread across an area of 19,200 square metres, the event will feature 227 stalls for exhibition.
