- Saturday, February 22, 2025
Anju Sharma said Gujarat is a top foreign direct investment destination in India which has a business-friendly government and guarantees best return for investments.
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE Australia India Business Council and consulate general of India recently hosted in Sydney in New South Wales a high-level business delegation from the western Indian state of Gujarat. The team was led by Dr Anju Sharma, chief additional secretary of the government of Gujarat in the run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit between January 10 and 12.
The delegation included senior leaders from fintech and financial services, smart manufacturing, education, renewable energy, training and skills development, information technology, metals and logistics, among others.
The event was an opportunity for businesses Down Under to meet the delegates and understand more about bilateral business opportunities in Gujarat, the home state of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi who was its chief minister between 2001 and 2014 when he became the PM.
The Bharatiya Janata Party government of Gujarat is holding national and international road shows ahead of the summit to interact with industry and business leaders and inviting them to the event. The programme in Sydney was also part of it.
The #VGGS2024 Roadshow to Sydney, #Australia is aimed at exploring opportunities across an array of sectors, including Mining & Metals, Food Processing and Renewable energy. (1/2)@HCICanberra pic.twitter.com/VLgWDX7KkK
— Vibrant Gujarat (@VibrantGujarat) November 1, 2023
Discussions were held in great detail and sought to establish a robust channel between Gujarat and Australia. (2/2)#VibrantGujarat #VibrantGujarat2024 #VGGS #SydneyRoadshow #DelegationVisit
— Vibrant Gujarat (@VibrantGujarat) November 1, 2023
Dr. @anju_sharma_ind , IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, GoG addressed the visitors at the #VGGS2024 Roadshow at Sydney, #Australia. (1/3)@HCICanberra pic.twitter.com/Ks2ur81Rkw
— Vibrant Gujarat (@VibrantGujarat) November 1, 2023
She showcased Gujarat’s proactive policy-led approach, ease of doing business, investor friendliness & industrial infrastructure that have led it to become one of the most preferred investment destinations. (2/3)
— Vibrant Gujarat (@VibrantGujarat) November 1, 2023
Dr. @anju_sharma_ind , IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, GoG felicitated Ms. Karla Lampe, Executive Director, Trade and Investments, @NewSouthWales at the #VGGS2024 Roadshow in Sydney, #Australia. (1/2)@HCICanberra pic.twitter.com/enT5LTRVAF
— Vibrant Gujarat (@VibrantGujarat) November 1, 2023
The Vibrant Gujarat Summit was started by him in 2003 and he will inaugurate the upcoming edition, which is taking place after four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking exclusively to The Australia Today, Sharma said Gujarat is a top foreign direct investment destination in India and has a business-friendly government. She also said the Indian state offers good infrastructure, a conducive atmosphere for industries and businesses and guarantees best return for investment.
Stressing on the ease of doing business in Gujarat, the Indian official also said that the state has an investor facilitation portal that offers a single-window solution for businesses that aim to set shop. The process potentially takes around a fortnight, she added.
Sharma hailed members of the Indian diaspora whom she called brand ambassadors for the state and their biggest strength.
The official spoke about opportunities in the education and renewable energy sectors and mentioned that the GIFT City in Gujarat is welcoming foreign universities, including those in the top 500 in the world as per the QS World University rankings, to set up campus in the state.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Australia’s Deakin University will be the first foreign university to set up a branch campus at GIFT City. This will also be the first time that the institute will open a campus outside of Australia.
New south Wales has a sister state relationship with both Gujarat and its neighbour Maharashtra. The Indian delegation also received a welcome reception at the province’s parliament.
