Gujarat CM pitches AI and GIFT City projects in US, seeks World Bank concessional loan

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel travelled to the United States this week to meet with American officials and investors, using the platform to showcase the state’s emerging artificial‑intelligence ecosystem and the progress of the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).\n\nIn a series of briefings, Patel outlined Gujarat’s AI strategy, emphasizing its potential to generate high‑skill jobs and attract technology firms. He also described GIFT City as a ready‑to‑operate global financial hub designed to draw foreign capital and create a modern services ecosystem.\n\nThe chief minister appealed to the World Bank for a concessional loan to fund critical infrastructure and technology projects linked to these initiatives, arguing that affordable financing is essential for scaling up the state’s digital ambitions.\n\nU.S. officials responded positively, indicating openness to explore collaborative projects and to facilitate discussions between the World Bank and Gujarat authorities.\n\nThe outreach reflects Gujarat’s broader effort to position itself as a leading destination for foreign investment and to accelerate its transition into a technology‑driven economy.