Blending enterprise with entertainment, the government of Gujarat seems to be leaving no stone unturned to showcase Gujarat as the hottest destination for both investment and tourism.
While it remains to be seen whether this dream to bring in big-time investment from outside is realised, the mood of businessmen, traders and trade organisations of the state varies from being sceptical to upbeat.
While some feel that the state government has not put the necessary infrastructure in place before rolling out the red carpet, others state that Gujarat offers the best environment for doing business and tourism will receive a boost from the exercise.
Here is what businessmen and trade organisations have to say on 'Vibrant Gujarat: Global Investor Summit', that has been clubbed with the Navratri festival, which will be organised all over the state in a big way.
People from Surat want an airport to be set up before anything else. Nanubhai Patel, president of the Surat Diamond Association, says: "Surat is the undisputed business capital of Gujarat. But see the tragedy and the irony that such a big thriving city with a population of over 35 lakh (3.5 million) does not have an airport. And we are busy organising shows, summits, seminars and meetings," he said.
Patel says that although there is so much business potential in Surat, the state has done little besides providing assurances of an airport.
Ridiculing the basic concept of the summit, Patel added that in all such summits, seminars, conferences, ultimately they talk about strengthening the infrastructure. But when that will actually happen is anybody's guess.
Be it a jewellery park in Surat or any such meetings or conventions, an airport is a pre-condition for the success of anything.
"With Surat not having an airport, my head hangs in shame and with so many NRIs all set come to Surat what would they think that Surat does not have even an airport?" he asks.
Former Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Amarnath Dora, who is also one of Surat's leading textile businessman, says arrangements for welcoming NRIs and NRGs for the global summit is in full swing.
"This is yet another platform to plead for an airport. The most important thing is the fashion show as it would be useful in displaying both the textiles and diamonds," he feels.
A leading diamond cutter, polisher and exporter, not willing to be identified, said that diamond and jewellery units would be prepared to take part in the show only if they are assured of some business.
What is the need to take all the pains for a show where there is no business?" he asked. Diamond traders at Surat are also concerned about the security aspect, especially during the diamond exhibition.
"Will the Surat police be involved, or will it be some private security agency? The CII is silent over this issue," the trader said.
Ajoy Bhattachayra, another textile businessman, said: "Frankly speaking there may be no immediate gains from the global investors summit. But from what we hear about the impending globalisation in 2005, I think this is a good step."
Sunil Lakhani, president of the Rajkot chapter of the Exim club, is upbeat with the idea of the global summit. "The inflow of foreigners and NRIs will witness a boost. If the Gujarat experience clicks, other states are bound to organise such investor summits. I think this is a step in the right direction," Lakhani said.
Haresh Vora, president of the Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Global Investors Summit is an altogether new concept which must be welcomed.
"The riots created a negative image of Gujarat in the minds of foreigners and NRIs. This summit will go a long way in projecting the right image," he said.
Rameshbhai Vachhani of J K Products too felt that tourism will definitely receive a boost because the summit has been clubbed with the Navratri festival.
