Porbandar : A District-Level Programme under the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences 2025 was successfully organised in Porbandar, reinforcing the state’s focus on decentralised industrial development and grassroots entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, served as the Implementing Partner, conducting sector-focused seminars on the Foodpreneur Conclave, Blue Economy, and Biotech & Agri-Processing startup showcase. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences 2025 are being held across the state to promote regional investment opportunities and drive sustainable, long-term economic growth across sectors.
The Foodpreneur Conclave was virtually graced by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Arjun Modhwadia, Hon’ble Minister for Forests & Environment, Climate Change, Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.
Held at Tajawala Hall, Porbandar, the programme brought together policymakers, government officials, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, startups, farmers, artisans, and youth, creating a strong platform for dialogue, collaboration, and regional capacity-building. The programme coincided with exhibitions of MSMEs, startups, handicrafts and crafts as part of Swadeshi Mahotsav 2025 (Vocal for Local). The exhibition featured food and agri stalls, art and craft displays, and provided local businesses with valuable market exposure, B2B linkages, and networking opportunities.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Shri S. D. Dhanani, Collector & District Magistrate, Porbandar. He highlighted that every region has its own competitive strengths and noted that focused regional conferences under Vibrant Gujarat play a vital role in unlocking local potential and strengthening regional growth prospects.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that following the success of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the state government has initiated district-level programmes to deepen outreach and grassroots impact. He noted that these regional conferences aim to accelerate industrial development, promote sectoral investments, strengthen global connectivity, and contribute to the broader growth of both the state and the nation.
In his address, Shri Arjun Modhwadia said Gujarat’s strong infrastructure, reliable logistics, extensive coastline, ports, and industrial clusters have positioned the state as a preferred destination for investors. He added that the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences showcase these strengths at the regional level and are an important step towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, said the institute’s work has consistently extended beyond conferences to on-ground enterprise building. He recalled that between 2003 and 2014, EDII served as the national nodal agency for the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, during which it supported the creation of over 5,641 enterprises across 22 states through structured entrepreneurship development programmes.