Vibrant Gujarat investor meet set for a spectacular start

A 'maha arti and 'maha garba', a spectacular laser show, folk dance forms from several states and a colourful fireworks display would give a magnificent start to the Navratri festival organised by the state government as a prelude to the coming Vibrant Gujarat global investors' meet.

The Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani will inaugurate the mega event at the Kankaria Football Ground on Thursday evening. Union ministers Arun Shourie, Jaswant Singh, Kashiram Rana and Rajiv Pratap Rudy would also be present.

The Global Investors' Summit will be held in Ahmedabad from September 28 to 30 and several seminars and workshops have been organised in various parts of the state to mark the event.

The government is expected to extend several concessions to the investors during the meet.

Exhibitions, conferences and seminars are planned simultaneously at various venues across Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat.

'Gharena 2003', an exhibition of designer jewellery has been organised at the Grand Bhagwati on September 26. This will be followed by a textile and garment mart and a conference on gems and jewellery in Surat.

A workshop on rehabilitation in Kutch has been organised on September 30. The programmes will culminate in a Khadi show at Porbandar on October 2, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.

However, the government is yet to divulge several important information about the summit. It is yet to disclose the number of investors who have confirmed their participation in the event. The government has also not revealed the amount of foreign investment it expected through the summit.

Around 50,000 tourists are expected to visit the state during the Navratri festival.

The government has put forward 150 projects for foreign investment.

The focal sectors include gas, petroleum, tourism, minerals, mining, ports, infrastructure, bio-technology, education, food processing, garments and gems and jewellery.

The government has put in place tight security measures in view of the festival and the event. Chief commandant of the CISF at the airport said "Gujarat is a sensitive area. All CISF jawans are on a high alert and keeping a tab on every activity in and outside the airport."

Around 200 labourers are working round the clock to give the airport a new look.

Most of the graded hotels of the city are enjoying full occupancy because of the event.

However, a few smaller hotels, which are booked by the government, are yet to receive confirmation.

Darius Merchant, general manager of The Taj Hotel in Ahmedabad, said "Most of the rooms are booked for the last two months. No occupancy is available till September 29."

Deputy municipal commissioner of Ahmedabad J G Hingarajiya said efforts were on to give the city a green and clean look before the Navratri festival.

"Patch works have been done on roads, which were damaged due to torrential rains this monsoon. Measures have been taken to ensure that the cattle are not seen on the city roads. Garbage, encroachments and slums in various parts of the city are being cleared up."

To pep up the festive spirit, the chief secretary P K Laheri has allowed use of loudspeakers till midnight.

"Garbas can continue late into the night. The noise levels should be kept within the limits," Laheri said.