The upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 - Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 has created a buzz. According to the government, it will offer a platform for businesses to explore trade and investment opportunities in Assam across a wide range of sectors ranging from food processing, tourism, IT, defence to sports and agriculture. GPlus presents some views on the event.
A pivotal moment
Ankit Poddar
The unveiling of Advantage Assam 2.0 marks a pivotal moment for the state’s socio-economic landscape. This initiative not only symbolises the government’s commitment to enhancing Assam’s investment climate, but also addresses the urgent need for sustainable job creation. With Assam’s population being modest in comparison to other states, the focus on attracting both domestic and foreign corporate players will play a critical role in harnessing local talent and retaining our skilled workforce.
The initiative aims to promote various sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, tapping into Assam's rich natural resources and cultural heritage. In particular, the tourism sector holds tremendous potential; with its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural footprint, Assam can become a magnet for both national and international visitors. Investing in tourism infrastructure and innovative marketing can position Assam as a premier travel destination.
Moreover, the establishment of a single-window clearance system under Advantage Assam 2.0 simplifies the investment process, making it easier for businesses to navigate regulatory frameworks. This streamlining is essential in fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation.
My aspiration for this initiative is that it actively engages local communities and empowers them to participate in the growth narrative. Advantage Assam 2.0 represents a collective vision for a prosperous future—one that balances investment, sustainability, and community involvement, paving the way for robust economic development across the state. Together, we can not only build a vibrant economy but also create a better Assam for future generations.
(The writer is Managing Director and COO, Poddar Group)
Towards economic growth
Dr. Sudip Chakraborty
The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, organised by the Assam government, aims to establish the state as a top business and investment destination. Held periodically, the event draws investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to discover opportunities in Assam. The summit emphasises key elements such as business networking, investment promotion, policy discussions on reforms like the Startups Assam policy and industrial schemes, sector-specific focus on areas of potential, government support, and promoting Assam as a global brand. The Advantage Assam 2.0 - Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 is a major event intended to accelerate Assam’s economic growth and attract more investments.
The summit will have a significant impact on productivity by fostering a favourable business environment. It will promote investments, innovation, and infrastructure development, positioning Assam as a leading business hub in Northeast India. The summit’s focus on sectors like agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and technology will drive economic growth. As a result, the state will see improvements in business operations, job creation, and sectoral development. The event will not only attract investments but also improve Assam’s overall productivity through enhanced collaboration, technological advancements, and industrial growth provided the people of Assam embrace the opportunities with a positive outlook.
(The writer is Associate Professor, Royal School of Commerce, Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam)
Channelising opportunities
Dr. Seema Sharma
The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit will be a huge contributor to the state’s future growth and development. By identifying the growth areas and attracting the investors, the Assam government has undertaken an excellent initiative for more employment opportunities. Migration is a loss. The state loses skilled workers or cultural traditions in the process. With such brilliant initiative, Assam will see limited migration and, instead, encourage reverse migration. Foreign investment will also lead to introduction and exchange of modern technological practices which will help in rise of many startups from the state.
Tourism sector which contributes 5.5% of GDP in Assam will also see growth as the focus of the government is on Assam history and its culture. Promoting the culturally rich experience of Assam would increase tourist inflows contributing to direct and indirect employment, and demand for services.
Since last couple of decades there has always been a discussion in different platforms that Assam has huge opportunities. This summit is about utilising the opportunities of the state in a meaningful way.
The youths of Assam are much sought in many mainland states of India because of their skills, learning ability etc. More investments in the field of tea, petro, electronics and semiconductor, aerospace and defence manufacturing, fragrance and flavours, mobility and logistics, the local youths stand a better chance for being chosen as employees, suppliers, business partners etc.
(The writer is Professor & Dean, Faculty of Commerce & Management, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam)
Sports as an industry
Palash Jyoti Mahanta
The Northeast has always been India’s beating heart when it comes to raw sporting talent. With nearly 70% of the country’s top athletes hailing from this region, it’s clear that sports aren’t just a passion here—they’re a way of life. Yet, for decades, a structured roadmap to success has been missing. Advantage Assam is set to change that.
With multinational companies entering Assam’s ecosystem, the corporate world will inevitably find itself drawn to sports. Investment in infrastructure, sponsorships, and grassroots development will no longer be an afterthought but a priority. As leagues and tournaments flourish, so will opportunities for athletes—giving them the exposure they deserve.
But this isn’t just about business; it’s about culture. When people from different backgrounds converge, sports become a shared language. Assam is on the brink of a cultural transformation, where sporting events will bring communities together, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both players and fans.
Beyond the game itself, Advantage Assam 2.0 is also opening doors for local sports entrepreneurs, merchandisers, and digital platforms. The movement isn’t just about producing great athletes—it’s about creating an entire ecosystem where sports can thrive as an industry.
At Poynt Sports, we believe the time has come to redefine sports in Assam—to move from potential to reality. The momentum is here. Now, it’s up to us to run with it.
(The writer is CEO, Poynt Sports)
Turning challenges into opportunities
Dr. Saurabhi Borthakur
Assam boasts of a diverse landscape, ranging from lush green tea gardens to hills of Karbi Anglong and the majestic river Brahmaputra. With its strategic location and investor-friendly policies, the state is positioning itself as a key destination for investment, offering institutional and government support to facilitate business growth. Situated close to Southeast Asian markets, as well as China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Japan, Assam presents a unique opportunity for global trade and cultural exchange. This Advantage Assam 2.0 summit offers an excellent platform for the state to collaborate with technologically advanced states and nations, turning challenges into opportunities for economic growth and development. For instance, adopting innovative solutions such as rainwater and surface water harvesting can help manage excess monsoon water while mitigating drinking water shortages in winter. Enhancing the beauty of the Brahmaputra river side, and improving connectivity between North Guwahati and the southern bank of the river- similar to how Budapest in Hungary is connected by river Danube- can expand the metropolitan area of Guwahati by creating twin-city. Additionally, the development of ports from Sadiya to Dhubri under the National Waterways Development Programme can streamline smooth transfer of goods and passengers to many Southeast Asian nations. Despite its vast potential, certain areas, such as Majuli—India's first river island district—remain largely unexplored, offering untapped investment prospects. Extracting valuable minerals from this mineral-rich region also requires scientific and technological solutions that can be achieved through this summit.
The event would highlight Assam’s investment potential across other key sectors such as infrastructure, IT, energy, healthcare, herbal and medicinal processing, specialty tea processing, tourism and agriculture. Government support through investor-friendly initiatives like Assam Industrial and Investment Policy (Amendment) 2023 and Assam Logistics and Warehousing Policy, 2022 of the state has paved the way for promoting diverse Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to engage the private sector in developing world-class infrastructure.
At the micro level, Advantage Assam 2.0 aims to align with the aspirations of the youth and benefit local communities of Assam by fostering an entrepreneurial environment, generating employment avenues for both skilled and semi-skilled workforce, facilitating knowledge transfer and developing human resources. Additionally, it is expected to break monopolies, provide global market exposure and ensure the availability of high quality products at reasonable prices to the end users. At the macro level, this summit is intended to help Assam integrate into global value chains, expand market connectivity, boost export performance and promote a sustainable economic growth for the state, benefits of which shall ultimately percolate to the people of Assam.
As India advances in the spirit of Amrit Kaal, forward thinking approaches and innovative and inclusive ideas have become imperative towards realising the dream of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Advantage Assam 2.0 can be used as a vital platform to turn the vision of Viksit Assam into reality and usher in an era of development and excellence for generations to come.
(The writer is Head, Department of Commerce, Cotton University)
Support to nurture ideas
Abhilash Baruah
Advantage Assam 2.0 will undoubtedly highlight key sectors like semiconductors, infrastructure, tourism, and skill development. However, I am particularly keen to see discussions around technology, agri-tech, and biotech startups. Assam has already seen promising incubation programmes at IIT Guwahati, BioNest, and various agri-tech incubators in Guwahati and Jorhat, fostering innovation in these crucial sectors. I am eagerly waiting for stronger government-backed initiatives to further push these startups forward, whether through policy support, funding opportunities, or facilitating foreign investments.
Secondly, as a strategy consultant with a sector-agnostic approach, this summit presents an excellent opportunity to gain insights into emerging industries. This also means that complementary businesses and service providers like us will have the opportunity to be actively involved in the region’s growth ecosystem.
Thirdly, with Advantage Assam and the recent announcement of the Ministry of Startups by the chief minister, the ecosystem is becoming even more conducive for entrepreneurship. More young entrepreneurs will take up business ventures with a positive outlook, knowing that a thriving support system is in place to nurture their ideas. And that, ultimately, is the goal of enterprise and entrepreneurship—isn’t it?
(The writer runs a strategy consulting firm, AbhiBar)
Sustainable growth and innovation
Dr. Saurabh Pran Sharma
Advantage Assam 2.0 is a strategic initiative by the Assam government to position the state among India's top five by 2026, aligning with the vision of Amrit Kaal. The summit aims to attract significant investments across sectors like tourism, aerospace, defence manufacturing, and green industries. Assam, as a vital part of the Ashtalakshmi framework for Northeast development, is emerging as a key economic driver. The ₹27,000 crore semiconductor unit by the TATA group in Jagiroad further solidifies its role in high-tech manufacturing. The event will also foster global partnerships, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) planned with Japan and Singapore for manpower development and healthcare. These efforts highlight Assam’s growing role in India's economic landscape, and strengthening its contribution to national progress.
Advantage Assam 2.0 is set to bring transformative socio-economic benefits to the people of Assam. The anticipated investments will generate employment, reducing joblessness and improving living standards. Infrastructure development, including flood management and urban expansion, will enhance disaster resilience and quality of life. Agricultural modernisation will boost productivity and farmer incomes, while skill development initiatives will equip youth with industry-relevant expertise, making them competitive in both domestic and international job markets. Additionally, MoUs with Japan and Singapore will create global employment opportunities in healthcare and skilled labour sectors. By fostering sustainable growth and innovation, Advantage Assam 2.0 will integrate the state into India’s broader economic vision, ultimately strengthening Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
(The writer is Associate professor, Department of Economics, Arya Vidyapeeth College (Autonomous) & National Level Master Trainer, UGC & IKS Division,Ministry of Education,Govt of India)
Promise for new beginnings
Dr. Ajanta K. Bezbaruah
Many years ago, one of the biggest industrialists in India had come to Assam to see the prospects of investing in this part of the country. He said that we need to have 5 star hotels, good schools of international level among other things, in order to have their employees willing to stay here.
Much water has flowed under many bridges since then. We now have good hotels coming up in Guwahati, high-class health providers and good schools as well.
Advantage Assam 2.0 promises to leverage the industrial landscape with new investments from potential investors from within the country and abroad. For that, we wish to move away from the commonly held notion of Assam being only a contributor of crude oil, natural gas, tea and coal and venture into newer areas be it tourism, food industry, handicrafts, aerospace etc. Assam is being showcased as the 'destination for all seasons and reasons'
If it reaches its objective, then we can definitely look forward to new beginnings. However, infrastructural development and social overheads like better roads, transport, regular supply of power, a peaceful environment are a sine qua non of its progress and success!
(The writer is HoD, Economics Handique Girls College)
Towards a prosperous future
Akash Jyoti Gogoi
Advantage Assam 2.0 is a pivotal initiative that can transform Assam into an industrial powerhouse. By creating a conducive environment for investment, the event can significantly impact key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and tourism. However, for lasting success, AA 2.0 must also focus on supporting the auxiliary industries that are essential to a thriving manufacturing ecosystem. These industries, which provide critical services and products, will help strengthen local entrepreneurship and create a sustainable supply chain, benefiting both small and large businesses alike.
Additionally, promoting agro-processing industries is vital to ensure that the benefits of industrialisation reach local farmers and entrepreneurs. By establishing a value chain that links agriculture with processing industries, AA 2.0 can directly enhance the livelihoods of local communities while boosting the state’s economy. The initiative should prioritise building infrastructure, providing skill development programmes, and creating financial support systems to help entrepreneurs in these sectors thrive.
To bring this vision to life, AA 2.0 must focus on infrastructure development and skill-building initiatives, empowering local industries and fostering a self-sustaining industrial ecosystem. This will attract investment and drive long-term growth. With its dynamic leadership, AA 2.0 has the potential to set the stage for a prosperous future where innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth will lead Assam’s economic transformation.
(The writer is an entrepreneur and the founder of Bahuboli Eggs, a prominent egg brand in Assam; he is also the founder of Maverick Technologies and Xaj)
