Place : Bengaluru Speech Date : 18-11-2010

  • Gujarat represents a state of business both in the physical and psychological form.
  • Our eyes are on a holistic change;our eyes are on the global benchmarks.
  • Our eyes are on the excellence in all spheres;our eyes are on the glitter on all faces.
  • I must also add here that the achievements of Gujarat are all–pervasive.
  • I invite you to be part of our development process which is robust and yet inclusive; fast and yet sustainable.
 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I feel very delighted in interacting with you here today. Bangalore has made its mark the world over because of its excellence in various activities, particularly the Information Technology. I am myself a firm believer in the strength of this technology. I compliment you for the progress you have made and the global pride which you have given to the whole country.

Friends! for the last few years, I was told that we in Gujarat are not doing so well in IT. But Gujarat's enterprising spirit kept driving us towards doing better in this field. Today, I am happy to say that Gujarat is doing equally well in ITES as it is doing in other sectors of the economy. Gujarat has a substantial presence of the Financial and other Business process outsourcing operations. We have dedicated institutes in this field like the Dhiru Bhai University. But we are doing even better on the use of IT. In fact, our e-governance projects have been recognised in the country and abroad. To give you a few examples- We have the largest Wide area Network in the Asia facific. We are the first State to provide broadband connectivity in all schools and villages. We are making maximum use of the video-conferencing including for trial of the prisoners. A few months back, our ICT based Grievance Redressal System called SWAGAT has got the United Nation's Public Service Award. In addition, in the last three months from September, we have received eleven national awards for our various e-services. This includes e-procurement, Tax information system, Hospital management system, financial management system, CSI-Nihilent e-governance awards for excellence, the official portal of the State Government and also my own portal for its most innovative use of the social media. Only last month, in the Bangalore IT Biz, Gujarat won the ‘Best Exhibitor' award. However, I do agree that there is a lot of potential to do better. I am also sure that the business spirit of Gujarat will make this sector a strong business and economic activity in the years to come.

Gujarat, as you know, represents a state of business both in the physical and psychological form. Its strength lies in catching the ideas and converting them into business propositions. That is why, since centuries, our people have gone all across the world and have proved their business acumen. They bring back home global experience and mix it with the inherent business spirit of the State. This, combined with the Government's pro-active business friendly role, has made Gujarat one of the most preferred business destinations in India. We also believe that for business to grow, our policies should be stable and transparent; our programmes should be oriented towards betterment of the society, economy and the environment on a long-term basis.

Friends! as you know, India is on the path of becoming an economic power in the world. However, for the country to achieve this position of eminence, the states have to perform better. I have personally been committed to ‘Gujarat's Growth for India's Growth'. This decade of Gujarat has been a decade of phenomenal growth. We have not only registered overall double digit GDP growth but our other important sectors also have registered double digit growth.

Industry has grown at 13%;

Our agriculture has grown at 12.8% in last five years and at 9.6% over last seven years. This is against the national growth of less than 3%.

The per capita income of the people has grown at 13.8%.

Friends! We have re-oriented the approach towards development process in general and industrialisation in particular. We have tried to make the development process a mass movement with the aim of quantum jump and qualitative leap on the one hand and on the people's participation on the other.

Our eyes are on a holistic change;

our eyes are on the global benchmarks;

our eyes are on the excellence in all spheres;

our eyes are on the glitter on all faces.

I will give you a few examples as to how this leap is taking place:

We have tripled the number of seats in our technical and management colleges on the one hand and on the other we have set up seven new world class universities and an IIT.

We have made massive progress in oil and gas exploration; and at the same time, have laid down a 2200 km long gas grid to take it to the industries and households.

We have made several lakhs of water harvesting structures, and also successfully implemented one of the world's longest canal system and water grid.

We have added substantial Megawatts to our electricity generation; and at the same time have taken it to each and every house hold making Gujarat the only State to supply round the clock uninterrupted power in the households of all villages.

We have set up world class hospitals making Gujarat a global medical tourism destination, and at the same time, have ensured access for the mothers and children to medical facilities.

We have strengthened our primary and secondary schools with physical and ICT infrastructure, and have also emphasised on the quality of teaching and learning.

These are just a few examples to establish the fact that we have broken away from the traditional ways of governance where the pace of progress was slow; the delivery was sluggish and results were invisible.

Similarly, in the infrastructure sector, we have redefined the approach and the level of thinking and have started implementing some of the most ambitious projects. Many of our cities have been rated as environmentally best cities and economically fastest growing in the world. We are converting many of our roads to expressway standards. We have implemented the railway lines in private sector. We have established India's only two LNG terminals; to which we are going to add two more very shortly. We are not only upgrading our ports to make them world class. We are also adopting a holistic coastal development approach including development of new coastal cities. To develop the infrastructure, we have perfected the mechanisms for Public-Private Partnership which have been admired in the country.

Friends! on the fronts of the Industry and industrial infrastructure, Gujarat offers the best in the country. We house some of the biggest and the best industries world over. We are monopoly producers in the country in several sectors and a global leader in a number of products. Our industrial infrastructure, including the environmental infrastructure, is regarded as the best in the country. We provide hassle free environment of business which starts right from effective handholding for setting up projects. Transaction costs including the cost of living are low; labour problems are almost zero and there are absolutely no power cuts.

A favourable spirit of business, supportive infrastructure and stable Governance have made Gujarat a preferred business destination.

This is visible from the fact that many national and multi-national companies have made Gujarat their base.

This is visible from the fact that our contribution to industrial output is around 16%,

This is visible from the fact that we contribute to 22% of India's exports.

This is visible from the fact that we have global presence in several sectors and national monopoly in various others

We are committed to not only retain this position but to further improve it. With Tata Nano and Bombardier, we are emerging as a new auto and transportation manufacturing hub. With our limestone reserves, we are emerging as the biggest cement producer in the country. We have already emerged as a big steel and pipe producer in the country. Now, we are going to become global players in these fields. And the best asset which we have is our 1600 km long coastline dotted with world class ports. These ports are the gateways to Gujarat's prosperity and expressways for the progress of the northern hinterland of the country.

However, friends! we are not going to rest with this. If India has to become a premiere economy in the world, I believe that the States like Gujarat have to do even better. We are constantly expanding the horizon of our industrial infrastructure, our Governance, our policies and processes. On the industrial infrastructure front, we moved from our traditional industrial clusters to industrial estates and further to establish 60 SEZs which is the largest number in the country. We are further moving to set up truly world class and big size Special Investment Regions which we call the SIRs. We have planned for 12 SIRs which will be Global hubs of economic activity. They will be supported by world class infrastructure, premium civic amenities and right policy environment. Setting up of these SIRs is in tune with the upcoming Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Industrial Corridor between Delhi and Mumbai. Similarly, SIRs will have a great synergy with our upcoming International Finance City known as GIFT. I am fond of saying that each of these SIRs is going to become “a new Gujarat within Gujarat”. Friends! these developments are historic. These developments have the potential to give a quantum jump to the entire Indian economy and to influence the global economy. I would sincerely suggest that you should not miss this opportunity.

I must also add here that the achievements of Gujarat are all–pervasive. They are not region specific, sector specific or community specific. The State Government is playing the role of a catalyst and facilitator. I am satisfied myself that we are able to do that in the best possible manner. Gujarat has emerged as a model of Good Governance not only in the country but in the entire world. As I said earlier, almost on a weekly basis, we have been receiving national and international awards in various areas of Governance, scheme formulation and their outcome. These awards and successive support of the people to my Government are a testimony that we are in the right direction.

We are trying constantly for achieving higher and higher standards. Many of our Government offices, including my own office, are ISO certified.

Friends! we are presently celebrating the Golden Jubilee year of formation of the Gujarat State. We are working hard to make this era of Gujarat a golden era.

With this objective:

We are re-designing our systems and structures

We are re-visiting our priorities and processes

We are re-orienting our energies and aspirations

During this year, we all have taken a pledge to convert Gujarat into a globally preferred place to live in and to do business. I am confident that we will be able to do it.

Friends! we are repeating our organised efforts in the investment promotion activities also. Under the banner of Vibrant Gujarat, we have institutionalised a biennial investment event since 2003. The fifth chapter of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is being held on 12th and 13th January, 2011. I have primarily come here to personally invite you to visit Gujarat and be our guest during this event.

This event:

Is no longer a mere investment promotion event; it has become a growth propelling event.

Is no longer just a business meet; it has become an international knowledge sharing platform.

Is no longer a State level event; it has become a Global event.

In the last event, which was held in 2009, there was participation of around forty seven countries, with heads and representatives of various countries. This was in addition to a large number of national and international delegations from varied sectors. This event, which was held in the backdrop of a global recession, surprised everyone with investment agreements of US Dollars 240 billion. However, investment flow in the State is only a small part of the objective of this event. The bigger objective is to do global networking for knowledge and technology sharing; learn the best practices and involve and encourage our people to think big and take up challenging projects. Now our intention is to further expand the scope of the event. This time, we have invited the Indian States as well as other countries to make use of this platform for business and technology tie ups and agreements for their respective locations. I once again invite you to this event with your near and dear one ones; with your desires and ambitions; projects and projections.

I always say that Good Infrastructure attracts investments; Good Governance affirms it and Good Quality of life sustains it. Gujarat is a rare combination of all this. In addition, Gujarat has a unique spirit of business. We are constantly on job to further improve this eco-system. Our existing potential and future strategy offer enormous opportunities for you. I invite you to be part of our development process which is robust and yet inclusive; fast and yet sustainable. You may have a lot to benefit from it. You may find a lot to enjoy in it.

On my part, I assure you that I will be there to help you reach where you want to reach. And will make you reach faster than you anticipate.

Thank You!

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My Cabinet colleagues, Shri Giriraj Singh Ji and Pabitra Margherita Ji, esteemed ambassadors of various nations, senior diplomats, officials from the central and state governments, distinguished figures from the world of fashion and textiles, entrepreneurs, students, my dear weaver and artisan friends, ladies and gentlemen!

Today, Bharat Mandapam is hosting the second edition of Bharat Tex. This event not only celebrates our rich traditions but also showcases the immense possibilities of a Viksit Bharat (developed India). It is a matter of immense joy for the nation that the seed we planted is now rapidly growing into a banyan tree. Bharat Tex is evolving into a premier global textiles event. This time, the entire spectrum of the value chain is represented, with 12 associated groups participating together. Additionally, accessories, garments, machinery, chemicals, and dyes are on display. Bharat Tex is emerging as a powerful platform for engagement, collaboration, and partnership among policymakers, CEOs, and industry leaders from across the world. The dedicated efforts of all stakeholders in making this event a success are truly commendable, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved.

Friends,

Today, Bharat Tex has participation from over 120 countries— as Giriraj Ji mentioned, 126 countries—meaning that every entrepreneur present here is gaining exposure to these 120+ nations. They have the opportunity to expand their businesses from local to international levels. Those seeking new markets are gaining valuable insights into the cultural preferences of different nations.

Earlier, I had the chance to visit some of the exhibition stalls. Though I could not see everything—had I attempted to do so, it would have taken me two days, which I am sure you would not permit—I did manage to interact with many representatives and understand their perspectives. Several participants shared that after attending Bharat Tex last year, they acquired new buyers on a large scale, significantly expanding their businesses. One particularly interesting comment, or rather a ‘sweet complaint,’ was brought to my attention. Some participants expressed that the demand for their products has surged to such an extent that they are struggling to meet it. Additionally, some entrepreneurs informed me that setting up a factory typically requires an investment of Rs 70–75 crore, and each such facility provides employment to around 2,000 people. To those in the banking sector, I would like to emphasize—please take note of their needs, understand the priorities, and extend your support accordingly.

Friends,

This event is providing a significant boost to investment, exports, and overall growth in the textile sector.

Friends,

At Bharat Tex, our garments beautifully reflect Bharat's cultural diversity. From East to West, North to South, we boast a vast array of traditional garments, each with multiple variations. Lucknowi Chikan, the Bandhani of Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Patola of Gujarat, the Banarasi Silk of my Kashi, Kanjeevaram Silk from the South, and Pashmina from Jammu and Kashmir—this is the perfect opportunity for such events to showcase our rich heritage. Our diversity and unique craftsmanship should serve as a driving force for the expansion of the garment industry.

Friends,

Last year, I spoke about the five ‘F’ factors in the textile industry—Farm, Fibre, Fabric, Fashion, and Foreign. This vision is now evolving into a mission for Bharat, unlocking new avenues of growth for farmers, weavers, designers, and traders alike. Over the past year, Bharat's textile and apparel exports have increased by 7 percent. Now, are you going to applaud for just 7 percent? Let’s save the applause for when we achieve a 17 percent increase next time! Today, we are the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparel in the world, with our textile exports reaching Rs 3 lakh crore. Our goal now is to increase this to Rs 9 lakh crore by 2030. However, while I mention 2030, given the enthusiasm I have witnessed here today, I suspect you might surpass my projections and achieve this target even sooner!

Friends,

This success is the result of a decade of relentless effort and consistent policies. It is due to these sustained efforts that foreign investment in our textile sector has doubled over the past ten years. Today, some friends shared with me that many foreign companies are keen to invest in Bharat. To them, I said—You are our greatest ambassadors! When you speak about Bharat's opportunities, people believe it instantly. If the government says something, they may scrutinise it, verify facts, and deliberate over it. But when a fellow businessman from the same industry speaks, others trust their word and seize the opportunity without hesitation.

Friends,

You are all aware that the textile industry is one of the most vital sectors in our country, providing extensive employment opportunities. This industry contributes 11% to Bharat's manufacturing sector. You must have noticed in this year's budget that we have placed a strong emphasis on 'Mission Manufacturing', and you are an integral part of this mission. Therefore, as investment flows into this sector and growth accelerates, crores of textile workers are reaping the benefits.

Friends,

Our commitment is to address the challenges of India's textile sector and unlock new opportunities. To achieve this, we are implementing visionary and long-term strategies. A reflection of our efforts can be seen in this year's budget. Keeping in mind the industry’s key requirements, we are working to ensure a reliable cotton supply within the country, make Indian cotton globally competitive, and strengthen our entire value chain. To this end, we have announced a 'Mission for Cotton Productivity'. Additionally, we are focusing on emerging sectors such as technical textiles. I recall my time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat when I used to interact with people from the textile industry. Back then, when I spoke about technical textiles, they would ask me what I meant. Today, I am pleased to see Bharat establishing itself in this domain. We are actively promoting indigenous carbon fibre and its derivative products, and Bharat is making significant strides in producing high-grade carbon fibre. Alongside these efforts, we are implementing crucial policy decisions to support the textile industry. For example, in this year's budget, the classification criteria for MSMEs have been revised and expanded. Additionally, credit availability has been increased. Given that MSMEs contribute 80% to our textile sector, these reforms will bring tremendous benefits.

Friends,

Any sector can only thrive when it has access to a skilled workforce. In the textile industry, skill plays a defining role. That is why we are working to develop a strong talent pool specifically for this sector. Our 'National Centres of Excellence for Skilling' are playing a crucial role in this initiative, while the 'Samarth Yojana' is helping equip workers with the necessary skills across the value chain. Earlier today, I had the opportunity to speak with several women who have been trained under 'Samarth'. Hearing about their progress over the past five, seven, or even ten years filled me with immense pride. At the same time, we recognise that in this age of technology, traditional handloom and artisanal skills must continue to receive due importance. Our goal is to bring the craftsmanship of handloom artisans to global markets, enhance their capabilities, and create new opportunities for them. We are actively working in this direction. Over the past decade, more than 2,400 major marketing events have been organised to promote handlooms—more than 2,400! Additionally, an e-commerce platform named 'India-Handmade' has been launched to facilitate online marketing of handloom products. Thousands of handloom brands have already registered on the platform, and they are greatly benefiting from the GI tagging of handloom products.

Friends,

The 'Textiles Startup Grand Challenge' was launched during last year’s Bharat Tex event to encourage innovative and sustainable solutions for the textile sector from young minds. Youth from across the country participated in this challenge with great enthusiasm. The winners of this competition have also been invited here today, and they are present among us. Additionally, start-ups keen to support and nurture these young innovators have also been invited. This initiative is being supported by IIT Madras, the Atal Innovation Mission, and several leading private textile organisations. Such pitch fests will significantly boost the start-up culture in the country.

I urge our young entrepreneurs to establish new techno-textile start-ups and develop fresh, groundbreaking ideas. I also have a suggestion for our textile industry—collaborate with institutes like IITs to develop innovative tools for the sector. We are witnessing a growing trend on social media where the younger generation is increasingly embracing traditional attire alongside modern styles. As a result, the fusion of tradition and innovation has become more important than ever. We must introduce products inspired by our traditional clothing that appeal not only to young Indians but also to global audiences. Another crucial aspect is the rising influence of technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an expanding role in identifying new fashion trends and creating innovative styles. During my recent visit to the NIFT stall, I was informed that AI is now being used to predict the fashion trends of 2026. Previously, the world dictated fashion trends to us—we were told to wear black, and we complied. But now, we will set the trends for the world. This is why, while on one hand, traditional Khadi is being promoted, on the other, AI is being leveraged to analyse future fashion trends.

I recall an event from my early days as Chief Minister, around 2003. On Gandhi Jayanti, I organised a Khadi fashion show in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Students from NIFT and NID collaborated to bring this vision to life. The show was held to the background music of the bhajan "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Re Kahiye." At the time, I had invited some of Vinoba Bhave’s close associates to attend. Since fashion shows often use language and expressions that the older generation may find unfamiliar, they were initially sceptical about the idea. However, I personally convinced them to come. After witnessing the event, they told me, "If we want to make Khadi popular, this is the way forward." Today, Khadi is making remarkable progress and capturing global attention. We must continue to promote it with renewed vigour. During the freedom movement, Khadi symbolised "Khadi for the Nation." Now, it must evolve into "Khadi for Fashion."

Friends,

A few days ago, as the announcer mentioned, I returned from an overseas visit. I was in Paris, the city widely regarded as the fashion capital of the world. During this visit, significant partnerships were established between our two nations on various key issues. One of the central themes of our discussions was the environment and climate change. Today, the world is increasingly recognising the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, and the fashion industry is no exception. The global fashion community is embracing the vision of 'Fashion for Environment' and 'Fashion for Empowerment'. In this regard, Bharat is leading the way.

Sustainability has always been an integral part of Bharat's textile heritage. Our Khadi, tribal textiles, and the use of natural dyes exemplify our long-standing commitment to a sustainable way of life. Now, with the support of cutting-edge technologies, Bharat's traditional sustainable techniques are evolving, directly benefiting artisans, weavers, and the crores of women associated with the textile industry.

Friends,

I firmly believe that the textile industry must embrace the principles of maximising resource efficiency and minimising waste. Today, crores of garments become obsolete every month worldwide, with a significant portion falling into the category of 'fast fashion waste'. This refers to clothing discarded simply due to changing fashion trends. These garments are dumped in various parts of the world, posing a severe threat to the environment and ecosystems. Estimates suggest that fashion waste will reach 148 million tonnes by 2030. Currently, less than a quarter of textile waste is being recycled. However, our textile industry can transform this challenge into an opportunity. Bharat has a long and diverse tradition of textile recycling and upcycling. Many of you are familiar with how we repurpose old or unused fabrics. For instance, in Bharat, carpets are crafted from discarded textiles, and weavers—along with homemakers—create mats, rugs, and coverings from fabric remnants. In Maharashtra, the traditional art of making Godhadis from old, even torn clothes, showcases this ingenuity. We can innovate and elevate these age-old practices, bringing them to the global market.

The Ministry of Textiles has already taken steps in this direction by signing an MoU with the 'Standing Conference of Public Enterprises' and e-Marketplaces to promote upcycling. Many upcyclers from across India have registered under this initiative. Additionally, pilot projects for door-to-door collection of textile waste are already underway in cities like Navi Mumbai and Bangalore. I encourage our start-ups to actively engage in these efforts, seize these emerging opportunities, and establish a strong foothold in this massive global market. India’s textile recycling market is projected to reach USD 400 million in the coming years, while the global recycled textile market is estimated to reach nearly USD 7.5 billion. By taking strategic steps now, India has the potential to secure an even larger share of this market.

Friends,

Centuries ago, when Bharat stood at the pinnacle of economic prosperity, the textile industry played a crucial role in that success. Today, as we march forward with our vision of a Viksit Bharat, the textile sector is once again poised to make a significant contribution to our nation’s progress. Events like Bharat Tex are reinforcing Bharat's position as a global textile powerhouse. I am confident that with each passing year, this event will set new benchmarks of success and reach greater heights. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those involved in making this event a grand success.

Thank you very much.
Namaskar.