A well-known trade hub and a centre for commerce and business, Gujarat has attracted a lot of attention from not only the country but the world. It is considered as a progressive state with a vibrant economy and this is so true as the influence of Gujarat on the global platform is etched in all areas, political, social, cultural, academic etc.
However, the evolution of Gujarat as a vibrant economy has its genesis in the growth of the industrial sector in the state. Gujarat is the second-most industry-friendly state, according to a Planning Commission sponsored study. There not one but many reasons behind this extraordinary growth of Gujarat.
ADVANTAGEOUS GUJARAT
Strategically located on the west coast of India, Gujarat is well-connected to the major cities of India and the world by road, air and sea routes. Further, in a bid to develop world-class economic hubs in Gujarat, the state government has set its focus on infrastructure development and is developing additional port capacities for marine trade, Special Investment Regions (SIRs) Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs) and manufacturing as well as logistics parks and services.
The state also houses Gujarat International Financetech City, which is India's first SEZ for International financial services. Even, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor & Dedicated Freight Corridor passes through Gujarat, aiding in the growth of the state. Gujarat has also put a considerable emphasis on developing small and medium sized enterprises through policy initiatives that offer interest subsidies, venture capital assistance and quality certification.
Some Interesting Facts about Gujarat
1. Land Where Lord Krishna Lived
Dwarka, a coastal city which existed around 12,000 years ago in Western Gujarat, is said to be the place where Lord Krishna spent most of his life. The culture, traditions, and ambiance of Gujarat echo the footprints of Lord Krishna.
2. Land of Mahatma Gandhi
Gujarat's soil is blessed with the great legend Mahatma Gandhi, India's Father of the Nation. Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmadabad still shows the glimpses of the lifestyle of this great saint of nonviolence.
3. A Vegan State
India is the leading vegan country in the world, and among its 29 states, Gujarat has the most vegan people.
4. Longest Coastline!
Among the coastal states of India, Gujarat has the longest coastline of around 1215 km.
5. Rich Diaspora
Gujarati are known for their business skills and are spread the world over, especially in North America. In fact, one in every five Indian-American is a Gujarati.
6. World's Largest Salt Desert Is Here!
With a total area of about 7,505.22 square kilometers, the Great Rann of Kutch is considered one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This seasonal salt marsh is spread in the Kutch district of India and Sindh province of Punjab.
7.Home To India's Largest District!
With a total area of 45,674 km2, Kutch is the largest district in India.
8.Asia's Greenest Capital City Is In Gujarat!
Located around 23 km from Ahmadabad, Gandhinagar is considered to be the greenest capital city in Asia with around 1/2 of its area covered with greenery.
9. A Safe State
According to stats and friendly nature of Gujaratis, it is considered the safest Indian State with the least rate of crime.
10. A Business Friendly State
Gujarat has always been considered as the best place for investment in India because of its trade policies, economic resources, and co-operative mindset, and in 2015, World Bank ranked Gujarat at first position on Ease of Doing Business in India list. An area (in between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar) is being developed as the GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) to promote businesses in Gujarat.
11. The World-Famous Somnath Temple
On the western coast of Veraval in Saurashtra, the magnificent Somnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is the 1st among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
12. The Pivot of Petrochemical Production
Gujarat is the petrochemical hub of India and contributes more than 60% petrochemical production in India.
14. Best Management Institute In Asia!
Not only in India but also out of all management institutes in Asia, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad is considered one of the best management institutes in Asia.
15. A Place of Riches
Thanks to its rich commercial heritage, almost 2/5 of the richest people in India are proud Gujarati's. The top 5 richest people in India are Gujaratis, here goes the list:
Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries), Dilip Shanghvi (Sun Pharma), Gautam Adani (Adani Enterprises), Azim Premji (Wipro Ltd.), Pallonji Mistry (Shapoorji Pallonji Group).
16. World's 27th Most Spoken Native Language!
Gujarati's are a big community and well spread throughout the world. Out of around 6500 languages, the Gujarati language stands 27th in the world with around 66 million speakers.
17. The Longest Optical Fiber Network!
With a vast area covering around 50,000 km, Gujarat has the longest optical fiber network, which is expensive but provides great bandwidth and low power loss.
18. Surat: The Richest City In India
Based on the annual income, Surat is considered the richest city in India.
19. Asia's Largest Dairy is Here!
Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited (KDCMPUL), popularly known as Amul Dairy, is the largest dairy in Asia.
20. World's First Pure Vegetarian Subway is Here!
Subway opened its first pure vegetarian outlet in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat.
21. The Largest Consumer Of Sugar!
Gujarati's are well known for their surrender for sugar. Actually, the Gujarati recipes have such composition that they revolve around sugar to make it a complete dish.
22. The Biggest Oil Refinery On The Planet!
Owned by the Reliance Industries, the Jamnagar Refinery in Jamnagar is the biggest oil refinery on the planet with the output of around 1.2 million barrels every day.
23.Want To See Asiatic Lions? Visit Gujarat
With an area of about 1412 sq km, Gir Forest National Park is known worldwide for Asiatic lions. Recent surveys show that more than 500 Asiatic lions are present in Gir.
24. World's Biggest Ship-Breaking Yard Town is Here!
Located in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Alang is the biggest ship breaking yard town in the world. World's most colossal ships are broken here.
25.A Cotton Hub
Cotton is a very popular source of clothing in India, and around 1/3 of India's cotton is cultivated in Gujarat.
26.Majority Of World's Diamonds Are Refined In Surat
Surat is an important center for diamond refining and is considered as world's major diamond refining center.
27.A Record Number Of Jain Temples
Palitana in Bhavnagar district holds the record for 900 Jain temples.
28.Non-Alcoholic State!
Gujarat is the first State in India to impose a complete ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages.
29.World's Tallest Statue Is Here
With the height of 182 meters (597 ft), the "Statue of Unity" is an iconic landmark statue of India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a visionary leader and statesman; hailed as the "Iron Man of India." Facing the Narmada Dam, the statue is considered the world's tallest statue.