SURAT BRANCH (WIRC) Recently Niti Aayog (Think Tank of Govt of India) has launched Economic master for Surat Economic RegionunderG-Hub Model. The Growth Hub (G-HUB) initiative of NITI Aayog redefines urban planning, focusing on making ci true engines of growth. It recognizes city-regions that go beyond administrative boundaries, aiming to balance economic progress with quality of life improvements. G-HUB is built on three core pillars 1. Enhancing Economy: Identifying key economic and job growth drivers. 2. Promoting Inclusivity & Sustainability: Ensuring development benefits all sections of society while remaining environmentally conscious. 3. Improving Quality of Life: Focusing on infrastructure, services, and living standards. ‘An Economic Master Plan (EMP) under G-HUB includes: + Recognizing growth drivers and aligning them with global trends. + Assessing resources and investment needs. + Turning innovative ideas into projects and formulating policy interventions. This model is holistic, fostering economic growth OCTOBER 2024 Overview of the Economic Master Plan for Surat Economic Region under the Growth Hub (G-HUB) Initiative alongside sustainable and inclusive urban development. ‘The Surat Economic Region (SER) is a powerhouse for Gujarat, comprising six southern districts—Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Tapi, Valsad, and Dang. Although it represents only 11% of the state's total area, it contributes nearly 25% of Gujarat's GSDP and is poised for extraordinary growth, Currently valued at $72 billion, SER is expected to reach $162 billion by FY30 and a remarkable $1.3-1.5 trillion by 2047, driven by secondary and tertiary sectors. With a projected 20x growth, SER could contribute over 35% of Gujarat’s GSDP by 2047, Under the G-HUB initiative, the goalis to transform SER from a rapidly growing region into a globally competitive one. The plan addresses the region's current challenges—such as high-volume, polluting manufacturing and lack of talent attraction—by focusingon: + High-value manufacturing and becoming a business hub + Creating an aspirational city-region for all + Capitalizing on SER's infrastructure and connectivity potential + Promoting "sunrise sectors” to drive future growth This shift promises to enhance both economic growth and the overall quality of life, positioning SER as a globally competitive leader in India’s economic landscape. The Economic Master Plan (EMP) for Surat Economic Region (SER) outlines a strategic blueprint to transform the region into a globally competitive economy. With RTE Cea)SURAT BRANCH (WIRC) With over 50 project proposals and 20+ policy interventions, the EMP focuses on a customized approach to its key growth drivers while opening new avenues for expansion. Customized approach for Key Growth Drivers: + Chemical & Pharma : Aim for global scale and market dominance. + Textile & Apparel (T&A) & Gems & Jewellery (G64) Streamline manufacturing, transitioning towards a service-led approach to boost efficiency and innovation Developing New Growth Avenues: + Tourism : Leverage SER’s natural beauty and economic strengths to promote tourism + Real Estate : Position SER as a high-end, quality living alternative. + Agriculture : Promote natural farming methods to support sustainability and farmer well-being, Making SER an Aspirational Region with Strong ‘SupportSystem: + Skilling: Equip workers with the skills needed to meetregional, national, and global demands + Education & Health: Expand facilities to cater to the growing population and diverse societal needs + Sustainability & Livability: Focus on addressing environmental risks while improving quality of life for residents. Under Surat Economic Region the authorities have identified 5 Major land masses for Projects: + DahejPCPIR : Petrochemical investment region. + HSR Zone : High-speed rail connectivity. (Loh tol: EL! 11 + DREAM City: Emerging diamond hub. + Coastal Zone : Capitalize on SER's coastalassets. + Wildlife Zone : Preserve and promote SER's natural ecosystems The EMP envisions SER's transformation from a rapidly growing economy to a globally competitive region, fostering innovation, sustainability, and a high quality oflife. Key highlights of the EMP recommendation indulges following + To capitalize on the competitive edge in the manufacturing of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, the EMP envisages developing SER into a global Chemicaland a major Pharma hub. + The EMP proposal aims to elevate the Textile and Appeals and Gems & Jewellery sectors to a global level by streamlining supply chains, improving market access, and attracting international players, positioning SER as a key trade hub. It envisions the creation of "Bharat Bazaar” with two zones: a B2C zone in Surat's DREAM city featuring souks, luxury malls, and more, and a B2B zone in the HSR zone near Surat with wholesale markets, warehouses, and housing + The proposed approach to enhance SER tourism focuses on three key areas: business-led leisure, eco and rural, and experiential tourism. A hub-and- spoke approach positions Surat as a business hub with cruise tourism with multiple circuits and docking facilities, while Dang serves as an eco- tourism hub offering wildlife, adventure, and rural experiences. Unique activities proposed include heritage walks, Parsi cultural tours, and indigenous artand festival promotions. RTE Cea)SURAT BRANCH (WIRC) + Key recommendations to position SER as an aspirational region include establishing an Edu-city in Surat’s HSR zone with universities, research centers, and international schools; modernizing industrial training to support key sectors; and enhancing healthcare infrastructure to serve all societal segments. Focus on healthcare facilities, hospitality, entertainment and livable city adequate connectivity and utility infrastructure to support the growth ‘A robust implementation framework is essential for executing the proposed interventions, requiring the reinvention of institutional mechanisms, breaking silos, and establishing outcome-oriented bodies. The Surat Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) is proposed to be established which will coordinate regional infrastructure development, project development, and support project structuring, with representation from all six districts, The EMP also recommends establishing new institutions under SREDA including the G-Hub Crack Unit as the i | touchpoint that would coordinate across departments, agencies, stakeholders, Destination Management Organization (DMO) that will manage and promote tourism at the regional level, a Project Management Unit (PMU) proposed to lead ground-level implementation through effective project structuring and financing and strengthening the existing Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to ensure industrial monitoring and regulation forimproved compliances. Surat Economic Region (SER) can drive the (Loh tol: EL! 12 Aspirations of Visit Gujarat@ 2047, providedit. + Transforms its manufacturing landscape by shifting gears fromvolumetovalue + Leverages the potential of untapped sectors v Develops as a living and wellness destination for talent + Reinforces its leadership in sustainability to achieve net-zero targets As per CEO d rolling vision for SER's economic development, with eration, The EMP would serve as a regular reviews during implementation. While ‘maintaining the core vision, targets, and focus areas, the project plans and policy reforms may be revised as necessary to stay aligned with the evolving conditions. The EMP outlines the region's future growth trajectory focusing on infrastructure and priority interventions for building a society that is “pro- people, pro-planetand pro-prosperity” RTE Cea)