GIFT City: India's Own Dubai and Singapore

GIFT City, or Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, is a central business district under construction in Gandhinagar district in Gujarat, India. It is India's first operational greenfield smart city and international financial services center, which the Government of Gujarat promoted as a greenfield project.

GIFT City aims to be a global hub for financial and business services, attracting businesses and investors from around the world. It offers a world-class infrastructure, a favorable regulatory environment, a competitive tax regime, and a skilled workforce. It also provides a high quality of life for its residents, with social facilities such as schools, clubs, parks, etc.

GIFT City is divided into two zones: the Multi-Services Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). The SEZ hosts India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), which allows financial institutions to conduct overseas business that is currently carried out by their offices in other countries. The IFSC offers various services such as banking, capital markets, fund management, insurance, bullion finance, aircraft leasing, ship leasing, etc. The DTA hosts domestic businesses such as IT and ITES, engineering, fintech, automobile, capital market, pharmaceuticals, bio tech, etc.

GIFT City has several features that make it comparable to Dubai and Singapore, which are well-known financial and technological metropolises. Some of these features are:

- Strategic location: GIFT City is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River and is around 12 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It is also connected through 4-6 lane State and National Highways. A metro station is also planned for construction, which would connect GIFT City to the Ahmedabad Metro network.

- Integrated development: GIFT City is implemented on the walk-to-work concept, providing residential complexes along with commercial and financial ones. It also has a city command and control center (C4) that monitors and manages various aspects of the city such as traffic, security, utilities, etc.

- Global benchmarking: GIFT City follows global standards and best practices in terms of regulations, taxation, policies, etc. It also has a single-window clearance system for businesses seeking to set up their operations in the city. It provides a plug-and-play infrastructure for businesses seeking unparalleled accelerated growth.

- Cutting-edge infrastructure: GIFT City has several infrastructure masterpieces implemented for the first time in the country. Some of these are: utility tunnel that carries all the utilities underground; district cooling system that provides centralized air-conditioning; smart water infrastructure that ensures 24/7 water supply; power infrastructure that ensures uninterrupted power supply; automated waste management system that collects and transports waste through pneumatic pipes; etc.

- Partners in development: GIFT City has partnered with leading innovators across industries to build a better world. Some of these are: HSBC, IBM, Bank of America, Standard Chartered, Oracle, Hiranandani, Sobha, Brigade, JNS, Lilavavati Savvy etc.

GIFT City is a visionary project that aims to transform India's economic landscape and position it as a global leader in finance and technology. It is not only a flagbearer for smart cities in India but also sets an international benchmark for finance and technology hubs worldwide.

How to Invest in GIFT City

If you are interested in investing in GIFT City, there are several options available for you. Depending on your business objectives, risk appetite, and capital requirements, you can choose from the following:

- **Equity investment**: You can invest in the equity of the companies operating in GIFT City, either directly or through intermediaries such as brokers, fund managers, etc. You can also invest in the equity of GIFT City itself, which is a joint venture between the Government of Gujarat and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS).

- **Debt investment**: You can invest in the debt instruments issued by the companies operating in GIFT City, either directly or through intermediaries such as banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), etc. You can also invest in the bonds issued by GIFT City itself, which are rated AAA by CRISIL and CARE.

- **Real estate investment**: You can invest in the real estate assets of GIFT City, either directly or through intermediaries such as developers, builders, etc. You can also invest in the real estate investment trusts (REITs) or infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs) that own or operate the real estate assets of GIFT City.

- **Fintech investment**: You can invest in the fintech startups and innovations that are emerging in GIFT City, either directly or through intermediaries such as incubators, accelerators, venture capitalists, etc. You can also invest in the fintech funds that are focused on GIFT City.

Investing in GIFT City can offer you several benefits such as:

- **High returns**: GIFT City is expected to generate high returns for its investors, given its growth potential, competitive advantages, and favorable policies. According to a report by KPMG, GIFT City can create 1 million direct and indirect jobs and contribute $100 billion to India's GDP by 2030.

- **Low taxes**: GIFT City offers various tax incentives for its investors, such as exemption from capital gains tax, dividend distribution tax, securities transaction tax, stamp duty, etc. It also offers a lower corporate tax rate of 9% for IFSC units and 15% for DTA units.

- **Low risk**: GIFT City offers a low-risk environment for its investors, given its robust infrastructure, security measures, dispute resolution mechanisms, and regulatory oversight. It also offers a stable currency regime and protection from exchange rate fluctuations.

GIFT City is an unparalleled modern economic edge that offers immense opportunities for investors across sectors and geographies. It is a destination that can help you achieve your financial goals and aspirations.

How to Work in GIFT City

If you are interested in working in GIFT City, there are several opportunities available for you. Depending on your skills, qualifications, and experience, you can choose from the following:

- **Financial services**: You can work in the financial services sector of GIFT City, which offers various services such as banking, capital markets, fund management, insurance, bullion finance, aircraft leasing, ship leasing, etc. You can work for the domestic or international financial institutions that operate in GIFT City, or for the regulatory bodies such as IFSC Authority, SEBI, RBI, IRDAI, etc.

- **Technology services**: You can work in the technology services sector of GIFT City, which offers various services such as IT and ITES, engineering, fintech, automobile, capital market, pharmaceuticals, bio tech, etc. You can work for the domestic or international technology companies that operate in GIFT City, or for the innovation hubs such as incubators, accelerators, venture capitalists, etc.

- **Social services**: You can work in the social services sector of GIFT City, which offers various facilities such as schools, clubs, parks, etc. You can work for the educational institutions such as foreign universities or skill development centers that operate in GIFT City, or for the recreational and cultural organizations such as sports clubs or art galleries that operate in GIFT City.

Working in GIFT City can offer you several benefits such as:

- **High salary**: GIFT City is expected to offer high salaries for its workers, given its competitive edge, global exposure, and talent demand. According to a report by KPMG, GIFT City can create 1 million direct and indirect jobs and contribute $100 billion to India's GDP by 2030.

- **Low taxes**: GIFT City offers various tax incentives for its workers, such as exemption from income tax for IFSC employees up to Rs 12 lakh per annum and lower personal income tax rate of 20% for DTA employees. It also offers a lower goods and services tax (GST) rate of 12% for goods and services consumed in GIFT City.

- **High quality of life**: GIFT City offers a high quality of life for its workers, given its smart infrastructure, security measures, social facilities, and environmental sustainability. It also offers a cosmopolitan culture and a diverse community that can enrich your personal and professional growth.

GIFT City is a visionary project that aims to transform India's economic landscape and position it as a global leader in finance and technology. It is a destination that can help you achieve your career goals and aspirations.

How to Visit GIFT City

If you are interested in visiting GIFT City, there are several attractions available for you. Depending on your interests, preferences, and budget, you can choose from the following:

- **Business tour**: You can visit GIFT City to explore its business opportunities, network with its stakeholders, and learn from its best practices. You can book a business tour through the official website of GIFT City or through its authorized partners. You can also attend various events and conferences that are organized in GIFT City throughout the year.

- **Leisure tour**: You can visit GIFT City to enjoy its leisure facilities, experience its culture, and admire its architecture. You can book a leisure tour through the official website of GIFT City or through its authorized partners. You can also explore various attractions such as the Sabarmati Riverfront, the Akshardham Temple, the Adalaj Stepwell, etc. that are located near GIFT City.

- **Educational tour**: You can visit GIFT City to gain knowledge, skills, and insights from its educational institutions, innovation hubs, and research centers. You can book an educational tour through the official website of GIFT City or through its authorized partners. You can also enroll in various courses and programs that are offered by the foreign universities or skill development centers that operate in GIFT City.

Visiting GIFT City can offer you several benefits such as:

- **High exposure**: GIFT City can offer you high exposure to the global trends, practices, and opportunities in finance and technology. You can also interact with the experts, leaders, and innovators who work in GIFT City and learn from their experiences and insights.

- **Low cost**: GIFT City can offer you low cost for your travel, accommodation, and entertainment. You can avail various discounts and offers that are provided by GIFT City or its partners for your visit. You can also save on taxes and fees that are applicable in other destinations.

- **High satisfaction**: GIFT City can offer you high satisfaction for your visit, given its smart services, security measures, hospitality standards, and environmental sustainability. You can also enjoy a hassle-free and seamless experience that is enabled by the single-window clearance system and the digital platforms of GIFT City.

How to Support GIFT City

If you are interested in supporting GIFT City, there are several ways available for you. Depending on your capacity, willingness, and vision, you can choose from the following:

- **Spread the word**: You can support GIFT City by spreading the word about its achievements, benefits, and opportunities. You can share its stories, testimonials, and updates on your social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, etc. You can also recommend GIFT City to your friends, family, colleagues, and clients who might be interested in investing, working, or visiting GIFT City.

- **Provide feedback**: You can support GIFT City by providing feedback on its services, facilities, and policies. You can share your suggestions, complaints, or compliments on the official website of GIFT City or through its customer care channels. You can also participate in various surveys and polls that are conducted by GIFT City or its partners to improve its performance and satisfaction.

- **Contribute resources**: You can support GIFT City by contributing resources such as money, time, or skills to its development and growth. You can donate funds to GIFT City or its partners for various causes such as education, health, environment, etc. You can also volunteer for various activities such as mentoring, teaching, cleaning, etc. that are organized by GIFT City or its partners to enhance its social impact and value.

Supporting GIFT City can offer you several benefits such as:

- **High recognition**: GIFT City can offer you high recognition for your support and contribution. You can receive various awards, certificates, or acknowledgments from GIFT City or its partners for your efforts and achievements. You can also showcase your association with GIFT City on your profile, portfolio, or resume to enhance your credibility and reputation.

- **Low effort**: GIFT City can offer you low effort for your support and contribution. You can access various platforms and tools that are provided by GIFT City or its partners to make your support and contribution easy and convenient. You can also leverage the network and resources of GIFT City or its partners to amplify your impact and reach.

- **High fulfillment**: GIFT City can offer you high fulfillment for your support and contribution. You can feel proud and happy for being a part of a visionary project that aims to transform India's economic landscape and position it as a global leader in finance and technology. You can also feel inspired and motivated by the vision and mission of GIFT City and its partners to create a better world.

Conclusion

GIFT City is a visionary project that aims to transform India's economic landscape and position it as a global leader in finance and technology. It is a destination that offers immense opportunities and benefits for investors, workers, visitors, and supporters across sectors and geographies. It is also a destination that follows global standards and best practices in terms of infrastructure, regulations, taxation, policies, etc. It is also a destination that provides a high quality of life and a cosmopolitan culture for its residents and stakeholders.

GIFT City is India's own Dubai and Singapore, and much more. It is a destination that can help you achieve your financial, professional, personal, and social goals and aspirations. It is a destination that can help you create a better world.

If you are interested in learning more about GIFT City, you can visit its official website at https://www.giftgujarat.in/ or contact its customer care at +91-79-6170 8000 or info@giftgujarat.in.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it informative and interesting. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. I would love to hear from you.

Source:

(1) GIFT City - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIFT_City.

(2) GIFT | Welcome to the new epicentre of Global Finance and IT.. https://www.giftgujarat.in/.

(3) Explained: Can GIFT City Be An Economic And Financial Hub Of Asia. https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/can-gift-city-be-an-economic-and-financial-hub-of-asia-576184.html.

(4) IFSC - Get NRI Services Online | ICICI Bank Gift City. https://www.giftcity.icicibank.com/.

FAQ's

What does GIFT City do?

It is a world-class business district envisaged and built to cater to global and domestic business enterprises. GIFT City is not only a flagbearer for smart cities in India but also sets an international benchmark for finance and technology hubs worldwide.

What is IFSC GIFT City branch?

Gujarat International Finance Tech-city (GIFT) SEZ is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) under Special Economic Zone Act, 2005 (“SEZ Act 2005”). It is being developed as a global financial services hub.

What is a GIFT City bank account?

About GIFT City International Financial Services Centre GIFT City is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) set up for financial institutions to conduct overseas business that is currently carried out by their offices in other countries.

Which companies are in GIFT City?

Corporate Companies in Gift City , Gandhinagar Gujarat C. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. 4.5. ... Adani Township And Real Estate Company. 4.1. 1934 Ratings. ... Arihant Bio Fertichem Pvt Ltd. 4.8. 1070 Ratings. ... LIC Of India. 4.3. 216 Ratings. ... Argusoft India LTD. 4.5. ... A. Dholera Metro City. ... Fta Hsrp Solutions Pvt Ltd. 3.3. ... Pcb Planet. 3.6.