Gujarat: One-stop destination for CE players
Gujarat is known for its industrial clusters and manufacturing hubs. Cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot have been centres for manufacturing and trading activities, including construction equipment. The state has a well-developed industrial infrastructure, including industrial estates, special economic zones (SEZs), and industrial parks. These facilities provide a conducive environment for manufacturing construction equipment.

As India aims to become a $5 trillion economy, the focus is on accelerating infrastructure development as a key driver of growth. Gujarat was the first state to enact a legal framework in 1999 for PPP in the infrastructure sector and the subsequent progress has served as a model for India. Gujarat CONEX 2023, which will be held from September 21-23, 2023 in Gandhinagar, will be a meeting place for major industry players and policymakers to deliberate on furthering infrastructure growth in Gujarat and India.

The trade show will not only showcase the latest technology and industry best practices but also bring together the best minds and people to spark a plethora of opportunities.

With some of the most critical connectivity projects currently being executed in Gujarat, this exhibition will serve as the right platform to bring together local industry insights and international technology solutions through conferences, networking opportunities, buyer-seller forums, and many more such touchpoints. Gujarat CONEX will also bring together the regions leading infra-development companies, project advisors, and decision-makers, thereby bridging opportunities between buyer and supplier groups.

Arvind Garg, Chairman, bauma CONEXPO INDIA, and Senior Vice President & Head Construction & Mining Machinery Business, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, said, We are happy to support this inaugural edition of Gujarat CONEX. The western region of the country is witnessing vibrant construction activity towards improved connectivity and infrastructure development. We are delighted to exchange ideas with the local industry and reach out to this market with latest construction technology. I extend best wishes to the organising team and look forward to a successful maiden edition of Gujarat CONEX.

Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India, said, Gujarat has one of the most advanced construction and infrastructure development ecosystems in the country today. Through Gujarat CONEX, we want to facilitate further growth through knowledge sharing and partnerships. Today, the equipment industry is rapidly innovating to meet the countrys needs of indigenisation, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency, and sustainability. In this regard, we are delighted to launch Gujarat CONEX in collaboration with KDCL. 

On behalf of the Joint Organisers, Arvind Patel, Chairman, Gujarat Contractors Association (GCA) and Managing Director, Patel Infrastructure Limited, said, The Indian construction industry is one of the most developed in the world, and the level of exhibitions organised in the country today are at par with global standards. For example, bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2023 brought together the latest construction equipment and solutions under one roof, thus delivering time and cost savings for the Indian ecosystem. This inaugural edition of Gujarat CONEX will demonstrate the massive opportunities unfolding in the states infra sector and the strong potential for innovation displayed by the local industry. 

Co-organiser, Kamlesh Gohil, Chairman & Managing Director, K and D Communication Limited (KDCL) said, As an experienced exhibitions company from Gujarat, we are happy to collaborate with international trade fairs organizer Messe Muenchen India and joint organiser Gujarat Contractors Association. The infrastructure industry is an important nation builder and employment generator today, and we are delighted to serve this market by curating a locally relevant trade show at par with global standards. 

Several construction equipment manufacturers have established their presence in Gujarat. These companies produce a wide range of equipment, including earthmoving machinery, material handling equipment, road construction machinery, and more. Gujarat's strategic location and well-connected ports have facilitated the export of construction equipment to various international markets. This has contributed to the state's economy and global trade. The Gujarat state government has often introduced policies and initiatives to attract investment in various industries, including manufacturing. These initiatives aim to boost local production and create employment opportunities.

Gujarat's infrastructure industry is becoming an ideal model to boost Indias growth story. To achieve the goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, India is focusing on advanced infrastructure development and fresh new projects. Gujarat is the first state in the country to enact a legal framework for PPP in the infrastructure sector. Therefore, the state has seen exponential growth in the past decade.

Opportunities
Gujarat has been making significant strides in the infrastructure sector, serving as a prime model for driving the countrys economic growth. With aspirations to become a $5 trillion economy, India has placed a strong emphasis on the development of advanced infrastructure and new projects. One such project is the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, which is opening up new avenues for growth in the construction industry.

In addition to the DMIC, global investors have been keenly observing the development of two major smart cities in India “ GIFT City and Dholera Smart City. These cutting-edge cities are being developed as special investment regions, with Dholera poised to feature an international airport connecting Gujarat to the rest of the world. Such initiatives are indicative of Indias forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development, aimed at bolstering its global competitiveness and facilitating greater economic prosperity.

Some of the major infrastructure projects include Dholera Special Investment Region and New International Airport, MRO Hub at Dholera, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Dahej Petrochemical & Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR), Gujarat Finance Tech City (GIFT), Special Investment Regions (SIRs) like Mandal Bechraji SIR, Metro rail system for Gandhinagar “ Ahmedabad, other bus & rail based urban “transportation projects, High-Speed Passenger Rail System Ahmedabad-Mumbai (Bullet Train), to name a few.