Why GIFT City is the Next Big Destination for Your Business

In the fast-evolving world of global commerce and finance, selecting the right operational base isn’t just a strategic decision, but a transformational one. To fulfill the growing need for a sustainable business hub, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India’s pioneering smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) , strategically located near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has rapidly emerged as a preferred destination for businesses aiming to redefine success and innovation.

Here’s why GIFT City is not just a location but a launch pad for global excellence:

1. An Ecosystem Tailored for Global Businesses

The Gujarat International Financial Tech City (GIFT City) is home to India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and a multi-services special economic zone.

The GIFT City is designed as a fully integrated business ecosystem for the financial services sector that blends cutting-edge infrastructure with seamless services. It houses over 725+ entities, including 31 banks, 100+ capital market intermediaries, and 200+ alternative investment funds. Global industry leaders such as HSBC, Bank of America, DBS Bank, SBI, Morgan Stanley, Infosys, and Wipro have established a presence here, underscoring the city’s global appeal.

Its unmatched connectivity - just 20 minutes from Ahmedabad International Airport ensures quick access through direct flights to the leading global financial hubs. This makes it an ideal gateway for businesses aspiring to scale across international markets.

2. Unmatched Regulatory and Financial Advantages
At the heart of GIFT City’s appeal lies its unique regulatory framework, governed by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) . The framework is light touch and promotes a highly conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Key incentives include:

• 10-year tax holiday within a 15-year operational window for IFSC entities.
• Exemptions from securities transaction tax, commodities transaction tax, and capital gains tax for specified transactions
• Exemption for Customs Duty, Goods and Services Tax, Stamp Duty, etc.

These benefits make GIFT City a hotspot for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), corporate treasury operations, fintech innovation, and emerging technology ventures.

3. Pioneering Sustainable Infrastructure
GIFT City’s 886-acre development is a benchmark for smart urban planning, blending high-density construction with eco-friendly designs. Its sustainability initiatives include:

• A Platinum-rated Green City certification, leading to 25% lower energy consumption.
• India’s first District Cooling System, reducing air conditioning energy use by 30-40%.
• "Digging-Free" underground utility tunnels, ensuring uninterrupted urban operations and minimal maintenance disruptions.

This innovative infrastructure translates to operational costs that are 20-50% lower compared to other global financial hubs.

4. Access to top-tier Talent and Innovation
Situated within Gujarat’s knowledge corridor, GIFT City benefits from proximity to renowned institutions like IIT Gandhinagar and IIM Ahmedabad. Even the renowned foreign universities like Deakin, University of Wollongong, etc. have also set up their International Branch Campuses in GIFT City.

With a steady influx of engineering and IT graduates entering the workforce each year, the city provides a strong talent pipeline for businesses. Its proximity to talent-rich regions further enhances its human resource advantage.

Moreover, GIFT City ensures a quality lifestyle for professionals, defined by shorter commutes, clean air, and vibrant cultural activities, making it a magnet for top-tier talent.

5. Emerging Sectors Poised for Global Growth
GIFT City is leading the charge in sectors that define the future of business:

• Sustainable finance: Positioned to tap into $7.2 trillion in global financing opportunities by 2050.
• Aviation and ship leasing : Leveraging India’s strategic geographic and economic advantages.
• Bullion trading : Home to the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), a groundbreaking initiative in global gold trade.

These potential opportunities position GIFT City as a nucleus for international investment and innovation.

6. Visionary Leadership and a Promising Future
Guided by the vision of India’s Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, GIFT City is on a trajectory to become a global price setter across financial instruments, securities, currencies and commodities. Its rise in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) rankings - from 77th in 2021 to 52nd in 2024 - reflects its growing stature on the world stage.

GIFT City is not merely a business destination; it is an International Financial Services Centre built for India’s global ambitions. Its unique blend of innovation, sustainability, regulatory support, and strategic connectivity with the world creates unparalleled opportunities for growth. Whether you’re a financial powerhouse, an IT innovator, an investment fund, or an Educational Institute, GIFT City is the future-forward choice for your business.

The question isn’t why GIFT City, but why not? The next chapter of your business success begins here.

Ready to expand your global footprint at GIFT City? Visit our setup guide page to discover how you can establish and grow your business in this premier international finance hub.