Ahmedabad will host the inaugural Commonwealth Connect Forum on February 23 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, a significant move towards preparing for the 2030 Commonwealth Games by fostering lasting economic collaborations. The Forum, organized by the India Global Forum (IGF) in partnership with the Gujarat government and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), focuses on creating economic opportunities rather than being a ceremonial event. It aims to leverage the global exposure from the Games to attract investments, establish trade routes, and form institutional alliances.
The event coincides with a visit by a high-level UK delegation led by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, from February 22-23. The delegation comprises key figures from various sectors such as advanced manufacturing, sports infrastructure design, clean energy, financial services, and university-led research partnerships, aiming to explore potential collaborations.
The delegation, including representatives from Birmingham 2022 delivery program-linked firms, advanced engineering SMEs, automotive electrification innovation clusters, and financial institutions, will visit Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The discussions will cover topics like infrastructure development, capital investment, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and financial market integration, emphasizing the importance of these aspects for economic growth and sustainability.
Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum, emphasized the strategic importance of the event, stating that hosting the Commonwealth Games is not just about infrastructure but also about reshaping the perception of Gujarat on a global scale. He highlighted the Commonwealth’s economic potential, with its vast network of countries and significant GDP, aiming to leverage this network for Gujarat’s economic benefit through structured initiatives like the Commonwealth Connect Forum.
AMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani highlighted Ahmedabad’s focus on long-term urban development in preparation for the Commonwealth Games 2030, emphasizing the city’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, mobility, modernization, and global partnerships. The city aims to position itself as a competitive urban center with a strong economic and social legacy, beyond just being a host city, by collaborating with organizations like India Global Forum and the Smarter Regions Programme.
The Forum also aims to capitalize on Gujarat’s historical commercial ties with regions like East Africa, the Gulf, and the UK, aiming to convert these relationships into active trade and investment opportunities. Through strategic engagements with the Gujarat government, discussions will cover areas such as financial services collaboration, advanced manufacturing, smart infrastructure, and education, with the goal of expanding Gujarat-based businesses into Commonwealth markets and fostering partnerships in clean energy and fintech sectors.
