INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
person, Mukesh Ambani, on Friday committed to invest Rs 3 lakh crore in various projects in next 10 years in Gujarat, that may range from
energy and petrochemical to new technology and digital business
Mr Ambani's Reliance Industries operates world's largest oil refining complex at Jamnagar in Gujarat as well as petrochemical units at
multiple locations in state."Gujarat is Reliance's Janmabhoomi (birthplace) as well as its Karmabhoomi (workplace)
Gujarat has always been - and will always remain - our first choice," he said at 9th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here.Reliance Industries
And created and catalyzed over one million livelihood opportunities in Gujarat
In comparison to past decades, Reliance will double this investment and employment numbers over next ten years," he said.Mr Ambani said,
while Jio's network is now fully 5G ready, telecom arm and retail division will launch a new commerce platform to connect small retailers
and shopkeepers with customers.The twin oil refineries at Jamnagar will produce more value-added products like petrochemicals and less of
fuel as world moves towards electric vehicles.He, however, did not say when Jio, that started operations in 2016, will launch 5G
services."Today, Gujarat is showcase for Jio's 4G wireless broadband network And Jio's network is fully 5G ready; which means Gujarat
will continue to remain on forefront of digital connectivity for years to come," he noted.Without giving timelines, he said Jio and Reliance
Retail, which has over 9,000 stores across country, will launch "a unique new commerce platform to empower and enrich our 12 lakh small
retailers and shopkeepers in Gujarat which are part of over 3 crore community in India."Mr Ambani had previously spoken of leveraging Jio
network for launching some sort of e-commerce venture."As world moves towards electrical vehicles, Reliance will use hydrocarbons less for
fuel and more for producing high-value new materials with a wide range of uses in society," he said adding that oil to chemicals strategy
will greatly boost exports and create employment.Also, Reliance Foundation will invest Rs 150 crore to make Pandit Deendayal University in
