Surat – On 17th January, the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) hosted a pre-launch event for the "Surat Economic Forum" under the banner of SGCCI Global Connect Mission 84. The event, themed "Think Global, Act Local," brought together esteemed figures from diverse sectors to brainstorm and share ideas for propelling Surat's industrial, educational, and infrastructural development.
The evening saw prominent voices like renowned chartered accountant Hiren Vepari, former public university president Kamlesh Yagnik, CFO Bridge partner Dinesh Jain, branding and management consultant Dr. Anil Saraogi, and Savani University's Pro-Vice Chancellor P.P. Dr. Parag Sanghani offering their insights.
Chamber of Commerce President Ramesh Vaghasia set the stage by highlighting India's impressive progress in poverty reduction and Surat's significant contribution to the national GDP. He envisioned Surat's economy surpassing Mumbai's within the next two decades, emphasizing the need for a dedicated platform like the "Surat Economic Forum" to guide this growth.
The forum's objective, Vaghasia explained, is to act as a "think tank" that addresses crucial issues like promoting local economic activities, identifying new avenues for development, streamlining infrastructure, upskilling the workforce, and creating fresh opportunities.
Hiren Vepari, drawing inspiration from successful models like Silicon Valley, emphasized the importance of fostering local skill development and promoting entrepreneurial spirit. Kamlesh Yagnik, echoing this sentiment, stressed the forum's role as a "think tank" equipped to anticipate upcoming challenges and guide entrepreneurs through turbulent times.
Dinesh Jain focused on attracting big-ticket investments to Surat, emphasizing the potential of companies like Uber and Flipkart to transform the city. He encouraged entrepreneurs to research and innovate, breaking free from tradition to create products with national and international appeal.
Dr. Anil Saraogi advocated for learning from international success stories and leveraging India's strong education system to drive the country's growth. He also underscored the need for infrastructure development to support progress.
P.P. Dr. Parag Sanghani emphasized the significance of a well-defined plan for shaping Surat into a vibrant hub like Silicon Valley. He advocated for skilling the local workforce and investing in research as key drivers of economic growth.
The event also saw the launch of "Mission 84 Express," a platform dedicated to showcasing various activities of SGCCI Global Connect Mission 84 and raising awareness about its goals.
The enthusiasm and actionable insights shared at the pre-launch event left no doubt about the immense potential of the "Surat Economic Forum." As Surat sets its sights on a global future, this collaborative platform promises to guide its journey and unlock its boundless possibilities.
