Govt plies global news sites with Vibrant Gujarat ads

The Gujarat government seems to be hardselling the sixth edition of "Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit" to audiences in the US. The state machinery has drawn up an elaborate media strategy for the event slated in January 2013, and has already started posting banner advertisements on the websites of international publications like Washington Post and Wall Street Journal.

The state government is also trying to tap the potential of the Internet and is focussing on running Vibrant Gujarat advertisement campaigns on social media websites like Facebook, and search engines like MSN, Yahoo and Google. It has also developed a special mobile and iPad application for the state-sponsored biennial event that focusses on attracting corporate investments to the state.

"This year, as a part of media planning, we are focussing on Internet and social media websites like Facebook, MSN, Google and others. This was decided after planning of more than a year. Keeping the requirements in mind, for media planning around Rs 5 crore has been kept as the estimated budget," Principal Secretary (Industries) Maheshwar Sahu told The Indian Express.

There might be six more months to go for the event, but these advertisements are already on the Internet. "Welcome to Vibrant Gujarat, the global business hub" — this 20-second running ad carrying a picture of Chief Minister Narendra Modi himself inviting investors with his message as the state "emerging as a globally preferred place to live and do business" is already finding prominent positions on websites of international dailies.

A mobile and iPad application, "VG-2013 mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry", has also been specially designed by the state government for the event.

"Apart from latest updates on this international event, the official website of the event is also offering services like mobile and tablet application, online brochure, registration for the event, enquiry forms and international help desks. The website not only has updates of past and upcoming events but also tracks response of these events," said Mukesh Kumar, managing director of iNDEXTb (Industrial Extension Bureau), a state government body which is handling the event.

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