Global Giants Eye Gujarat: Singapore and South Korea Firms Keen to Invest
A high-level Gujarat delegation visited Singapore and South Korea, securing interest in semiconductors, green energy, and infrastructure for VGGS 2027.
In a major push to solidify its position as a premier global investment hub, the Government of Gujarat has successfully concluded a high-level diplomatic and business mission to Singapore and South Korea. The visit, aimed at drumming up support and investment for the upcoming 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2027, has resulted in significant interest from international firms across a diverse range of high-tech and industrial sectors.
Strategic Mission to Asia
Led by Arjun Modhwadia, the Minister of Forests and Environment, Climate Change, Science and Technology, the delegation visited both nations from October 19 to 26. The primary goal was to showcase Gujarat's business-friendly ecosystem and invite global leaders to the VGGS 2027, scheduled to take place in Gandhinagar from January 10 to 12, 2027.
The delegation featured a powerhouse of administrative and technical expertise, including:
- P. Bharathi (IAS), Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.
- Adra Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Planning Department.
- Wasim Mansuri, Joint Director (IT), DST.
- Nisarg Acharya, AVP (Business Operations), GIFT City.
The team was further supported by representatives from the Gujarat State Electronics Mission, FICCI, and KPMG.
Singapore: A Hub for Semiconductors and Tech
The visit to Singapore was characterized by intense activity, with the delegation participating in 20 different engagements. This included nine one-to-one business meetings, two government-to-government (G2G) sessions, five roundtable discussions, and four site visits.
A major highlight of the trip was the meeting with Ms. Gan Siow Huang, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry of Singapore, as well as discussions with H.E. Dr. Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, to bolster bilateral economic ties.
Key Engagements and Breakthroughs
The delegation interacted with several influential bodies, including the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI), the ASEAN Innovation Business Platform (AIBP), and the Singapore Gujarati Society (SGS).
One of the most significant outcomes was the expression of interest by Bharat SemiTech, which is proposing to establish a semiconductor equipment manufacturing facility in Sanand. The proposed investment is approximately ₹1,000 crore, a move that would significantly elevate Gujarat's status as India's semiconductor capital.
The delegation also held strategic meetings with global players such as:
- Autodesk and Redwood Interior Pte. Ltd.
- Keppel Infrastructure and Itochu Corporation.
- Agrocorp International and SMIT Salvage.
- De Nora Water Technologies and Guardant AMEA.
To understand global best practices, the team visited the Micron Semiconductor facility, ASMPT Yishun facility, Global Tech Solutions, and A*STAR Fusionopolis.
South Korea: Focus on Heavy Industry and Biotech
Following the Singapore leg, the delegation moved to South Korea, where the pace remained high with 25 separate engagements. These included 15 one-to-one business meetings, three roundtables, and seven site visits.
The South Korean mission focused heavily on advanced manufacturing and futuristic technologies. The delegation visited several cutting-edge sites, including:
- Maritime and Infrastructure: HJ Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean.
- Engineering and Environment: Hanyang Engineering and GnBS Eco.
- Healthcare and Tech: Gachon University MRI Research Centre, Dawon Medax BNCT Centre, and Seoul Semiconductor.
Discussions in South Korea spanned a wide array of critical sectors, including display technology, robotics, clean energy, biotechnology, data centres, shipbuilding, and agritech.
The Road to VGGS 2027
Across both nations, the Gujarat Government focused on attracting investment in sectors that define the future of industry: green hydrogen, water and wastewater management, digital technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The overwhelming response, ranging from pilot project proposals to large-scale capital investments, sets a promising stage for the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2027.