GIFT City is a global financial hub in Gujarat, India – offering advanced business facilities, modern infrastructure, and lifestyle amenities – making it ideal for businesses, professionals, and residents.
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is India’s first operational smart city and an emerging global financial hub. Strategically located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, it offers world-class infrastructure and sustainable urban living. In a rapidly globalising economy, GIFT City facilities are crucial for attracting businesses, professionals, and investors.
From state-of-the-art data centres to premium residential and commercial spaces, everything represents modernity and innovation. This blog delves into the diverse GIFT City facilities that make it a preferred destination for global enterprises, and how these amenities enhance its appeal as a thriving centre for finance, technology, and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Business Facilities
GIFT City offers diverse business services, including top-tier GIFT City facilities. It hosts banks, investment firms, exchanges, FinTech companies, data centres, and software development. Business support includes legal, accounting, and consulting firms. Trade and commerce benefit from export-import companies, trade organisations, and logistics facilities, making GIFT City business opportunities abundant. Read further to understand each business facility in detail.
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Financial Services
GIFT City is a financial powerhouse, offering a wide range of GIFT City facilities tailored to the financial services sector. Hosting both domestic and foreign banks (Axis Bank, Canara Bank, Yes bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, etc), the city excels in external commercial borrowing, loan syndication, and trade finance, with banking transactions totalling USD 135 billion and assets exceeding USD 31 billion.
The city’s two international stock exchanges – India International Exchange (India INX) and NSE International Exchange (NSE IE) – offer dollar-denominated products and 22-hour trading, with a daily average trading value of USD 4.29 billion. Additionally, many insurance companies provide non-life and reinsurance services.
GIFT City is also a leading FinTech hub, driving innovation in digital banking and financial technologies. This combination of traditional services and cutting-edge tech enhances GIFT City business opportunities for global enterprises.
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Information Technology
GIFT City is not only a financial hub but also a growing centre for IT & ITeS, offering world-class GIFT City facilities that support a thriving tech ecosystem. The city hosts cutting-edge IT infrastructure, including state-of-the-art data centres that provide secure and reliable environments for businesses to store and manage data. These facilities are vital for ITeS companies that offer a range of back-office and outsourcing solutions to global clients.
Additionally, GIFT City is home to numerous software development companies (Oracle, Maxim Integrated, Befree, Infibeam, (n)Code Solutions, QX Corporate, Accvell Technologies, etc) driving innovation and providing bespoke software solutions across various industries. This blend of robust infrastructure and tech expertise positions GIFT City as a key player in the global tech landscape, enhancing GIFT City business opportunities for enterprises seeking advanced technological solutions.
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Business Support Services
In GIFT City, many prominent companies provide essential business support services – including legal, accounting, and consulting services. Notable legal and accounting firms present here include the Big 4 – Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These firms offer a range of services, from regulatory compliance to transaction advisory.
Additionally, consulting firms such as Grant Thornton Bharat are actively involved in providing multi-disciplinary solutions across various industries. For market research services, companies like InCorp Advisory are key players, offering insights and strategies that help businesses thrive in the dynamic environment of GIFT City.
These companies, part of the extensive GIFT City facilities, are integral to supporting the growth and operations of various enterprises – making GIFT City business operations efficient and competitive.
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Trade and Commerce
GIFT City is a growing hub for trade and commerce, offering a range of GIFT City facilities that support the export-import sector, trade promotion, and logistics operations. The city hosts key export-import companies that leverage its strategic location and advanced infrastructure for global trade.
Companies like McLane Global Logistics provide comprehensive services – including warehousing, freight forwarding, and compliance management – making them integral to the export-import landscape within GIFT City. Trade promotion organisations are also present, facilitating global trade relationships and helping businesses navigate international markets.
Additionally, the city’s state-of-the-art warehousing and logistics facilities support efficient storage and distribution, ensuring smooth operations for GIFT City business ventures involved in international trade. These companies and facilities enhance GIFT City’s role as a significant player in global trade and commerce, attracting enterprises looking for robust and efficient trade solutions.
Infrastructure Facilities
GIFT City hosts world-class infrastructure facilities that support seamless GIFT City business operations. The city offers excellent transport connectivity, including proximity to airports, metro rail, and a well-developed road network. Utilities are top-notch, with reliable power, water supply, and waste management systems. Additionally, cutting-edge telecom infrastructure and high-speed internet enhance GIFT City’s appeal as a global business hub.
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Transport Facilities
GIFT City offers exceptional transport infrastructure facilities, ensuring seamless connectivity for businesses and residents alike. Located just 20 minutes from Ahmedabad’s international airport, the city enjoys easy access to global destinations – making it ideal for international business. Additionally, the upcoming bullet train terminus is just 15 minutes away, further enhancing connectivity to major cities.
The city is well-served by metro rail, with connectivity between Ahmedabad, GIFT City, and Gandhinagar ensuring efficient public transport. GIFT City is also strategically positioned along National Highway 48, part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, facilitating smooth road transport.
To support sustainable mobility, the city offers electric vehicle (EV) buses and is planning to introduce Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) systems. These GIFT City facilities make it a top choice for GIFT City business operations, providing unparalleled convenience and accessibility.
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Power Supply
GIFT City’s power infrastructure is designed to ensure uninterrupted service with a 99.99% reliability rate. Managed by GIFT Power Company, the system includes dual 66/33KV receiving stations and a centralised backup system, ensuring continuous power availability even in case of grid failure. The network is fully automated, with real-time monitoring, control, and energy-efficient LED street lighting.
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Water Supply and Waste Management
GIFT City offers a comprehensive water supply system designed for both residential and commercial needs. Coupled with a modern sewage and waste management system, the city ensures sustainable resource use and clean environment. These utilities are managed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, supporting the city’s commitment to smart and green infrastructure.
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Telecommunications
GIFT City has cutting-edge telecom infrastructure, with high-speed internet connectivity provided by 15 major operators. The city also hosts advanced data centres like Yotta and Singapore Telemedia, offering AI-powered services, cloud solutions, and robust uptime guarantees. This state-of-the-art facility supports the communication needs of businesses operating in the city.
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Physical Infrastructure
GIFT City features a range of commercial buildings such as Sabarmati Capital, World Trade Centre, and Venus – The Goodwill Tower, providing premium office spaces for global enterprises. In addition, the city includes residential buildings, affordable housing, and facilities like convention centres and exhibition halls – making it a comprehensive hub for business and living. These GIFT City facilities make it a highly attractive destination for GIFT City business.
Lifestyle Facilities
The city offers a range of lifestyle facilities designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and professionals. The city is built on the walk-to-work concept, promoting convenience and sustainability. It features modern residential complexes – developed by SOBHA Limited, Nila Spaces, and others – providing a mix of luxury and affordable housing options.
For recreation and leisure, GIFT City includes parks, clubs, and sports facilities, creating a balanced urban lifestyle. Shopping and dining options are plentiful, with retail outlets like Dmart and a variety of restaurants catering to diverse tastes. The city’s healthcare facilities are also top-notch, ensuring access to essential services.
These GIFT City facilities make the city a comprehensive urban centre, offering both business and lifestyle amenities, making it an ideal destination for GIFT City business professionals and their families.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Benefits
GIFT City’s SEZ offers a range of tax benefits designed to attract businesses. Companies operating within the SEZ enjoy exemptions from corporate tax, income tax, and dividend distribution tax for a specified period. This competitive tax regime is a significant draw for both national and international enterprises, helping to reduce their financial burdens and increase profitability.
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Customs Duty Exemptions
One of the key advantages of the SEZ is the customs duty exemptions on the import of goods and services. This benefit helps companies reduce operational costs, making it easier to access necessary resources for business activities. The cost savings can be substantial, particularly for industries reliant on importing high-value goods.
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Repatriation of Profits
GIFT City SEZ also provides businesses with the freedom to repatriate profits without restrictions. This allows companies, especially international firms, to manage their global financial strategies more effectively. The ease of moving earnings across borders adds flexibility and attractiveness to GIFT City as a business destination.
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Other Incentives
In addition to tax and customs benefits, the SEZ offers other incentives such as simplified regulatory environment and world-class infrastructure. The SEZ is a hub for IT and ITeS companies, financial services, and global trading entities, supported by top-tier connectivity and environmentally sustainable practices.
These incentives not only enhance GIFT City business operations but also contribute to the creation of 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, driving economic growth. These GIFT City facilities ensure that businesses operating within the SEZ benefit from a highly efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable environment – making GIFT City a premier global financial hub.
Conclusion
GIFT City stands as a testament to India’s vision of creating a global financial and business hub with world-class infrastructure, robust business facilities, and sustainable urban living. From cutting-edge financial services to advanced IT infrastructure, the city’s comprehensive offerings cater to the needs of global enterprises – making it a preferred destination for businesses and professionals alike.
With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, GIFT City is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global finance and trade, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for businesses and residents.
Must Visit: Luxury Flats for Sale in Gift City, Gujarat
FAQs
1. What kind of businesses are allowed in GIFT City?
Businesses allowed in GIFT City include financial services, IT and ITeS companies, global trading firms, insurance providers, data centres, and more.
2. What are the tax benefits of setting up a business in GIFT City?
The tax benefits of setting up a business in GIFT City are exemptions from corporate tax, income tax, and customs duties, along with other financial incentives.
3. How can I set up a business in GIFT City?
You can set up a business in GIFT City by registering with the GIFT SEZ Authority, obtaining necessary approvals, and complying with the relevant regulations.
4. What are the infrastructure facilities available in GIFT City?
The infrastructure facilities available in GIFT City include high-speed internet, dual power supply, water & waste management, modern commercial spaces, and advanced telecommunications.
5. Are there any incentives for foreign investors in GIFT City?
Yes, there are incentives for foreign investors in GIFT City, such as tax exemptions, ease of repatriation of profits, and streamlined regulatory process.
6. Is GIFT City a good place to live?
Yes, GIFT City is a good place to live, with modern residential complexes, recreational facilities, healthcare services, and educational institutions.
7. What kind of residential options are available in GIFT City?
Residential options available in GIFT City range from luxury apartments in well-planned communities to affordable housing.
8. Are there schools and hospitals in GIFT City?
Yes, there are schools and hospitals in GIFT City, providing essential services to residents and professionals.
9. How does GIFT City contribute to the Indian economy?
GIFT City contributes to the Indian economy by attracting global investments, creating jobs, and serving as a hub for international business.
10. How does GIFT City compete with other financial hubs in the world?
GIFT City competes with other financial hubs in the world, by offering a competitive tax regime, world-class infrastructure, and strategic connectivity.
11. What is the future outlook for GIFT City?
The future outlook for GIFT City is positive, with plans for expansion and continued growth as a global financial hub.
