Ahmedabad, July 31 (IANS) Gujarat has secured the top position in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel saying the ranking reflects the state’s emergence as India’s preferred destination for investment and industry.
Addressing the installation ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Patel said the state had continued to strengthen its industrial ecosystem through policy support, infrastructure development and investor confidence.
Congratulating the newly elected GCCI leadership, which was chosen unopposed, Patel said the unanimous election reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
He also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing GCCI President Sandeep Engineer and his team during their tenure.
Speaking to industrialists and business leaders, the Chief Minister said: “Gujarat had long been known for trade and entrepreneurship and had, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, evolved into a global hub where innovation, industry, commerce and tradition converge.”
Highlighting the state’s investment performance, Patel said Gujarat attracted cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) of USD 73.9 billion between April 2020 and December 2025.
“The figures demonstrated the growing confidence of global investors in the state’s economy and industrial climate,” he said.
Patel also outlined the objectives of the ‘Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026’, describing it as a roadmap to transform Gujarat into a global industrial powerhouse.
“The policy introduced provisions for incentive disbursement for the first time and included special support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he added.
He urged entrepreneurs to study the policy in detail and make full use of its benefits.
Referring to recent national technological achievements, Patel cited the country’s first hydrogen-powered train and the launch of the Vikram-1 rocket by an Indian space start-up as examples of the government’s focus on promoting indigenous innovation.
“Such developments would further strengthen India’s standing globally. Gujarat was positioning itself as a leader in emerging sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data centres, with semiconductor plants, an AI centre in GIFT City and data centre infrastructure being developed across the state,” he said.
Calling on the business community to contribute to India’s long-term economic ambitions, Patel urged entrepreneurs to work towards building a USD five trillion economy and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through the resolve of “Make in Gujarat, Make for the World.”
Newly elected GCCI President Rajesh Gandhi outlined the chamber’s future roadmap and reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders for the development of industry and trade.
Outgoing President Sandeep Engineer also shared his experiences from his tenure.
–IANS
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