Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has positioned the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit as a pivotal moment to present the state as a lucrative investment destination. Scheduled for February 25 and 26, the summit aims to attract domestic and international investors, allowing them to identify and explore sectors of interest without restriction.
Speaking in New Delhi after meeting 36 foreign dignitaries, Sarma emphasized that the summit is not about directing investments but offering a platform for stakeholders to make informed decisions. “From the semiconductor industry to tourism, everything was discussed. For us, it will be a big opportunity to showcase Assam,” the Chief Minister stated. Prominent leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, will grace the event.
Sarma underscored Assam’s potential to become a hub for green energy and industries. However, he refrained from prioritising specific sectors, emphasizing the state’s openness to diverse investments. “We are not in a position to tell investors to choose this or that sector. I am allowing them to choose where to invest,” he said.
Focus on Defence Corridor and Strategic Projects
Highlighting Assam’s strategic significance, Sarma expressed aspirations for establishing India’s third major defence corridor in the state, following those in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. “More than half the ammunition of the defence forces is in the Northeast. Where there is demand, there should also be local supply,” he remarked. Discussions with the Ministry of Defence are underway to declare areas adjoining Guwahati toward Nagaon as part of this corridor.
While strategic partnerships with foreign investors remain important, Sarma acknowledged regional challenges stemming from the geopolitical situations in neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Rapid Infrastructure Growth and Economic Development
In his keynote address to ambassadors, high commissioners, and industry leaders from ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and European nations, Sarma highlighted Assam’s progress in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, and education over the past decade. He detailed several transformative projects, including:
- Three new bridges over the Brahmaputra River.
- Development of a satellite city near Guwahati in collaboration with the Singapore government.
- A railway line connecting Guwahati to Gelephu, Bhutan.
Sarma noted that Assam’s economy is growing at an impressive rate of 12.5%, making it a robust growth engine for the country. To accelerate industrialization, the state government plans to establish a ₹25,000-crore production-linked incentive (PLI) corpus fund.
Cultural Showcase and Diplomacy
As part of the summit’s cultural highlights, Sarma invited diplomats to witness the Jhumur dance performance by 8,000 dancers on February 24, a day before the official event. This unique display of Assamese tradition will also feature the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, the state government hopes to attract significant investments, driving innovation and development across sectors. The event promises to underscore Assam’s emergence as a critical player in India’s economic landscape, blending rich cultural heritage with modern industrial growth.