Gujarat Eyes Global Investment: Australia and New Zealand Roadshows Wrap Up
A high-level Gujarat delegation concludes roadshows in Australia and New Zealand to attract investment for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027.
In a strategic move to bolster economic ties and attract massive foreign investment, a high-level delegation from the Gujarat government has successfully concluded an intensive roadshow across Australia and New Zealand. This diplomatic and commercial outreach serves as a precursor to the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2027, aiming to position the state as a premier destination for global business.
Led by Rushikesh Patel, the Minister of Energy and Petrochemicals, the eight-day mission—which ran from October 26 to November 2—was a whirlwind of high-stakes diplomacy and industrial networking. The delegation engaged with over 150 participants, including government officials, industry titans, and business leaders, through a series of structured meetings and roundtables.
A Power-Packed Agenda: By the Numbers
The scale of the outreach highlights Gujarat's ambition to diversify its economic partnerships. During the trip, the delegation conducted:
- 11 one-to-one meetings with potential investors and companies.
- 4 ministerial-level meetings with high-ranking foreign officials.
- 8 sector-focused roundtables designed to dive deep into specific industry needs.
- 6 site and facility visits to study global best practices.
- 3 diaspora engagements to mobilize the Indian and Gujarati communities.
The Australian Leg: From Sports Infrastructure to Critical Minerals
The delegation's visit to Australia spanned Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, focusing on a wide array of sectors including technology, education, tourism, and renewable energy. A significant portion of the trip was dedicated to sports infrastructure, with visits to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Marvel Stadium, and Gabba Stadium.
In Brisbane, the team engaged with the Queensland government, exploring opportunities linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The delegation also held critical discussions with companies such as Cavendish Renewable Technology, Cox Architecture, and Populous, among others.
Political ties were further strengthened through meetings with Anoulack Chanthivong (NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Industry and Trade, Innovation, Science and Technology), Warren Kirby, and Mark Joseph Coure.
New Zealand: Energy and Petrochemicals in Focus
Following the Australian tour, the delegation moved to Auckland, New Zealand, on November 1 and 2. The focus here shifted heavily toward energy and logistics. The team held a pivotal ministerial meeting with Simeon Brown, New Zealand's Minister of Health, Energy and State-Owned Enterprises.
Two major roundtables were organized by the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) and the India New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (INZCCI), drawing participation from entities like the Bank of New Zealand, Mainfreight Air & Ocean, and Hiringa Energy. One-to-one meetings were also held with Service Foods and Contact Energy.
The Heavyweights Behind the Mission
The delegation was not just composed of political leaders but also senior bureaucrats and industry captains to ensure technical and commercial viability. Key government figures included:
- Roopwant Singh, IAS: Chief Commissioner of State Tax.
- Dhaval Patel, IAS: Commissioner of Geology and Mining.
They were accompanied by influential industry representatives, including Shreyans Goyal (CMD of Shakti Group Companies), Mehul Vaidya (Senior VP at Reliance Industries Ltd.), Milan Thakkar (Director of Alexius Projects Pvt. Ltd.), and Harshil Tamaku from Hindustan Mag Pvt. Ltd.
Building a Bridge via the Diaspora
Recognizing the power of the overseas community, the delegation held special engagements in Melbourne and Brisbane. The Indian and Gujarati diaspora were encouraged to act as "ambassadors of Gujarat," urging them to leverage their networks to bring global expertise and investment back to the state for the 2027 Summit.
By targeting critical minerals, renewable energy, and innovation-led entrepreneurship, Gujarat is clearly signaling its intent to lead the next wave of industrial evolution in India.