GUWAHATI: Assam is set to host the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit on February 25-26, and focus has been diversified in attracting investments across multiple sectors.
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The state government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been actively engaging with global investors through roadshows in Mumbai, London, and Japan to position Assam as a major economic hub. With plausible participation from leading industrialists and diplomats across the globe, the summit’s roadshows have stressed upon driving investment in key areas such as infrastructure, energy, textiles, manufacturing, digital economy, and green technology.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Infrastructure has emerged as a cornerstone of Assam’s investment push. A major highlight of the summit will be discussions on expanding connectivity within the state and beyond.
Additionally, Assam’s export infrastructure is undergoing expansion to invite future investment, with new road and rail projects under discussion with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who recently reviewed a ₹1 lakh crore investment plan for highway development in the region.
Green Energy Revolution
Assam has emphasised on renewable energy to drive its industrial expansion. During his recent meetings with industrialists in Mumbai, Sarma highlighted opportunities in Floating Solar, Bio-CNG, Green Hydrogen, and ATJ (Aviation Turbine Jet) fuel.
The government has repeatedly brought forward its investor-friendly policies in discussions, aiming to create a strong foundation for sustainable energy projects.
Sarma also engaged in discussions with Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who will lead the summit’s Hydrocarbons session.
Manufacturing & Industrial Expansion
The manufacturing sector is another focus area for the summit. Assam has been in talks with industrial giants like the JSW Group and the Essar Group to boost production capabilities in the state.
In discussions with Essar Group Vice Chairman Ravi Ruia, potential collaborations in manufacturing electric trucks and developing renewable energy projects were explored.
Meanwhile, the establishment of a 12.7 lakh metric tonne (MT) Urea Plant in Namrup, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is also expected to enhance industrial growth and generate employment.
Textiles & Apparel
The textile industry has emerged as a priority as well, with Assam aiming to become a major player in the sector.
Sarma met with BK Goenka, Chairman of Welspun World, to discuss collaborations in textiles, energy, and water treatment. The government is also working towards creating a favourable business environment for investors in the textile sector, leveraging the state’s skilled workforce and abundant natural resources.
Digital Economy & Semiconductor Industry
With rapid advancements in digital infrastructure, Assam is also looking to position itself as a tech-driven investment hub.
Sarma held discussions with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw about potential investments in the semiconductor industry to boost high-tech manufacturing.
The "I Way to Viksit Assam" session, to be held at the summit, will be chaired by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and will focus on expanding Assam’s digital economy and IT-enabled services.
Startup & Innovation
The Assam government recently launched the Assam Startup and Innovation Policy to support entrepreneurship in the state. This initiative has been implemented to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, with a target of nurturing 5,000 startups and creating one lakh jobs in the next five years.
The policy has been designed to make Assam a hub for new-age businesses, which will be one of the topics for investment, particularly in sectors like fintech, agri-tech, and deep technology.
Global Partnerships
Finally, international collaborations are playing a key role in Assam’s investment push. Singapore recently became the first partner country of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit.
Adding to Singapore, Sarma’s roadshows in London and Japan have further strengthened Assam’s ties with these two regions too.
In Japan, Sarma engaged with over 160 business leaders, discussing the role of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in funding key projects like the Guwahati Water Supply and Sewerage projects.
A Defining Moment For Assam’s Growth
With infrastructure, green energy, manufacturing, digital economy, and startup ecosystems at the forefront, Assam seeks to position itself as a gateway to Southeast Asia and a major player in India’s economic growth story via the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit.