Gandhinagar, Jan 11 (IANS): UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Sunday said Gujarat could also be a crossroad for a new era of sustainable development while it has long been a cultural crossover to the world.

"This dynamic state has long been a cultural crossover to the world. Today, it can also be a crossroad for a new era of sustainable development," Ban Ki-moon said at the three-day Vibrant Gujarat Summit that began here Sunday.

Invoking the importance of land of Mahatma Gandhi's birth, Ban Ki-moon said: "I hope all world leaders and businesses will be inspired by Gandhi's vision and teachings."

"Gujarat is a state where technology meets climate action, where entrepreneur meet clear energy, where young people meet job opportunities...," he added.

Earlier, welcoming Prime Minster Narendra Modi, US Secretary of State John Kerry and other dignitaries, Gujarat Chief Minster Anandiben Patel said: "All of us will mutually benefit by the interactions in the coming two days. We want to become an education and healthcare hub. Agriculture, food processing and dairy are very important for us."

Delegates and members from over 100 countries are attending the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit.