The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit has successfully concluded, marking a significant moment in the state's economic journey. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a turning point, as the summit attracted investment proposals worth Rs. 4.28 lakh crore. These investments are expected to drive Assam’s development and create new opportunities.
During the closing session in Guwahati, Dr. Sarma spoke about how the summit will help Assam grow from being dependent on external support to becoming a strong contributor to India’s progress. He shared Assam’s historical significance, reminding everyone that the state had India’s first coal mine, oil field, and refinery. However, after India’s partition in 1947, Assam faced difficulties in connectivity, which slowed down its growth.
Dr. Sarma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for Assam’s progress over the past decade. He pointed out that the state’s economy has grown by over 12% annually since 2014. Some key projects in Assam’s development include a semiconductor manufacturing unit in Jagiroad, which will produce 48 million chips per year, and the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), which will become the first refinery in India to produce bio-ethanol from bamboo. Other major infrastructure projects include a new terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and a bridge over the Brahmaputra River, connecting Guwahati with North Guwahati. These projects aim to boost Assam’s connectivity and economic strength.
Dr. Sarma expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Union Cabinet for their continuous support. He assured that all agreements and MoUs signed during the summit would be implemented effectively to bring real benefits to the state. He also highlighted the need for skilled workers in Assam to meet the demands of modern industries and encouraged educational institutions to focus on training young people with relevant skills.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal praised Assam’s 7Ds—Democracy, Demography, Demand, Diversity, Dependability, Digitization, and Decisive Leadership—as key factors driving its growth. He also emphasized the importance of 3Ts (Trade, Technology, Tourism) and 3Is (Industry, Infrastructure, Investment) in shaping Assam’s future. He commended Dr. Sarma’s strong leadership and dedication to the state’s progress, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a developed India.
The summit also saw the participation of important national and international representatives, including ADB Country Director Mio Oka, World Bank Country Director Auguste Tano Kouame, New Development Bank Director General Dr. D.J. Pandian, and representatives from Tata Electronics, PepsiCo India, FICCI, and Century Plyboards.
With the success of Advantage Assam 2.0, the state government is now focused on turning these investment commitments into reality. By improving infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and encouraging business growth, Assam is set to become a major player in India’s trade and investment landscape. (PR)