GCCI has played crucial role in Gujarat's development: HM
Published: Apr 11, 2025
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
NEW DELHI, APR 11, 2025: UNION Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah yesterday addressed the inaugural session of the Annual Trade Expo 2025 of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry via video conferencing. On this occasion, several dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, were present.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has played a very important role in the development of Gujarat. He mentioned that the foundation of the Chamber was laid under the leadership of Kasturbhai Sheth. Shah said that the Chamber has inspired the youth with entrepreneurship, courage, and the enthusiasm to do business anywhere in the world. He further stated that for 75 consecutive years, the Chamber has upheld that tradition, maintained dialogue with the government, cared for public interest, and stood shoulder to shoulder with the people during natural calamities.
Amit Shah said that the Chamber, having completed its 75-year journey, is now moving toward the milestone of 100 years. He emphasized that the leadership of the Chamber should professionally prepare a roadmap for this journey from 75 to 100 years and align it with Gujarat's development to take it forward. He stated that to ensure the spirit of industrial entrepreneurship remains alive and is further encouragedamong Gujarat's youth, the Chamber should formulate a plan.
He pointed out that MSMEs are our greatest asset, and if we look back, every major industry has once begun as a small-scale enterprise. Shah said that Gujarat's small industries have made a significant contribution to the nation's industrial growth. He added that the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry should integrate the tradition of small industries with startups and modernize it to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the youth. He said, the Chamber should act as a bridge between the government, small industries, and aspiring young entrepreneurs.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that if the Chamber wants to remain relevant in the times to come, it must go beyond just organizing events and instead establish a permanent mechanism within the Chamber to support industries, industrial entrepreneurs, and industrialists. He stated that if the Chamber's office bearers create such a system in collaboration with professionals, the relevance of the Chamber can be sustained for the next 25 years. He further added that the Chamber can easily serve as a bridge between the government and new industrialists, the government and the youth, and the government and the industrialists who are eager to contribute to development.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Gujarat today showcases a vibrant and diverse industrial ecosystem-ranging from traditional industries to cutting-edge technology, IT, infrastructure, MSMEs, startups, and pioneering sectors. He emphasized that entrepreneurs looking to establish industries in Gujarat are assured of a business-friendly environment, free from political interference, supported by efficient systems and a strike-free atmosphere. Shah recalled that during Narendra Modi's tenure as Chief Minister, the Gujarat government prioritized inclusive decision-making by engaging in meaningful dialogue with traders, industrialists, and small business owners through the Chamber of Commerce. He noted that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has further strengthened this pro-industry environment. He also highlighted Modi's visionary policy that robust infrastructure is the foundation of a strong economy, and a strong economy, in turn, enhances the quality of life for every citizen. As a result, Gujarat today plays a vital role in India's growth story and is emerging as a gateway to the global economy.
Union Home Minister said that the Chamber is advancing with the motto of 'Gujarat's Vision – Global Ambition'. He highlighted that over 300 individuals from diverse sectors and fields of innovation have been invited to participate in the expo that commenced today. He said that since its inception in 1949, the Chamber has made an exceptional contribution to Gujarat's development. With more than 75 institutions and over 2.5 lakh small industrial organizations associated with it, the Chamber has played a pivotal role in shaping the state's industrial landscape. The Home Minister emphasized the Chamber's dedicated efforts toward realizing the motto 'Grow Business and Transform Gujarat', and its consistent, effective dialogue with the government. He also acknowledged the Chamber's significant contribution to the global recognition and success of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative. Shah remarked that the Chamber has been instrumental in Gujarat's remarkable journey-from the devastating earthquake of 2001 to its emergence in 2025 as a hub for pioneering industries.
Amit Shah highlighted that Gujarat has been a pioneer in launching several transformative initiatives across the country. He stated that the concept of smart infrastructure was first envisioned in Gujarat, and the state led the way by ensuring 24-hour electricity supply in villages. Gujarat also took the early initiative to position itself as a global financial hub. He added that in 2009, Gujarat launched the e-Gram project, bringing inter-connectivity and digital services to rural areas. The state also made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates. Shah emphasized that all these achievements were made possible under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable progress over the past 11 years, advancing in various sectors and emerging as a global leader across multiple domains. He emphasized that these achievements have been possible due to the holistic, multidimensional, and whole-of-government approach adopted under Modi's leadership. He also acknowledged that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has played a key role in firmly upholding and continuing this tradition of development and good governance in Gujarat.
Amit Shah stated that Gujarat has emerged as a pioneer in all the key sectors that will shape the global economy over the next 25 years. He highlighted that the world's largest renewable energy park has been established in Kutch, while the largest greenfield project-Dholera Smart City-is taking shape in the state. He also mentioned that the Surat-Chennai Expressway, India's second-longest expressway, originates in Gujarat. Moreover, India's first international financial hub, GIFT City, has been developed in Gujarat, along with the country's first bullet train project and the first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. Shah further emphasized that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has provided Gujarat with a robust industrial development infrastructure, progressive policies, and an industry-friendly governance model.
