One of the key factors driving GIFT City's success is its conducive environment for businesses. The city has made strides in establishing clearer policies and regulations, which has boosted investor confidence. As a result, over 700 financial entities, including banks, exchanges, and insurance companies, are now operating in GIFT City.

While GIFT City has made significant strides in establishing itself as a financial hub, it faces certain challenges that need to be addressed for its continued growth and success.

One of the primary challenges is attracting and retaining skilled talent. Despite its growing reputation, GIFT City may struggle to compete with other global financial centres in terms of attracting top talent. Factors such as higher cost of living and limited social amenities could hinder its ability to retain talent.

Another challenge is the competition from other international financial centres. GIFT City faces competition from established hubs like Singapore and Dubai, which have well-developed infrastructure, deep talent pools, and strong regulatory frameworks. To differentiate itself, GIFT City needs to offer unique value propositions and competitive advantages.

Furthermore, GIFT City's success depends on a stable and supportive regulatory environment. While the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) has been instrumental in creating a conducive environment, the regulatory landscape may need to evolve to address emerging challenges and attract more investors.

Additionally, GIFT City's development is dependent on infrastructure projects and connectivity. While significant investments have been made in infrastructure, the city may need to focus on further enhancing connectivity and accessibility to attract more businesses and professionals.

Despite these challenges, GIFT City has the potential to overcome them and establish itself as a leading financial hub in India. By addressing these issues and leveraging its strengths, GIFT City can continue to attract investments, create jobs, and contribute to India's economic growth.

However, GIFT City continues to attract significant investments and businesses. Recent developments highlight the city's growing importance as a platform for global financial services.

Power Finance Corporation (PFC) subsidiary, PFC Infra Finance IFSC Ltd, has received approval to operate as a finance company in GIFT City. This move positions PFC as a global brand and strengthens India's presence in the international financial landscape.

Alternative investment firm Anicut Capital successfully raised $11 million in dollar-denominated investments through GIFT City Structure for their Private Credit Fund 3. This demonstrates the growing confidence of global investors in GIFT City's potential.

Recently, Deakin University, a global leader in higher education, celebrated its 30th year of impactful engagement in India. The university's commitment to empowering India's future workforce is evident in its strategic initiatives and collaborations.

One of the highlights of the 30th-anniversary celebration was the inauguration of Deakin's GIFT City Campus - the first international university branch campus in India. This campus offers students access to world-class education within the dynamic environment of Gujarat International FT City.

Deakin University's vision aligns closely with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on preparing a job-ready workforce for the evolving workplace. The university is committed to strengthening its presence in Gujarat by fostering collaborations with government, industry, and academic institutions to drive regional development.

During the celebration, Deakin University announced several significant initiatives aimed at empowering India's future workforce. These initiatives include Strategic Partnerships, Skill Development Initiatives, Research Fellowships and Campus Expansion.

Deakin is partnering with leading institutions such as the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Humanitarian Aid International (HAI), and the National Institute of Educational Planning Administration (NIEPA) to enhance disaster resilience, education, and research capabilities.

These developments underscore GIFT City's growing importance as a platform for financial institutions and businesses to access global capital and markets. The city's conducive business environment, coupled with its strategic location, continues to attract investors and drive innovation. (IPA Service)