Assam CM showcases Assam’s investment potential at global roadshow in Seoul

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 20, 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during his visit to Seoul, South Korea, led a high-profile global outreach investment roadshow, inviting South Korean industrialists, entrepreneurs, and investors to participate in the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit scheduled for February 25-26 in Guwahati.

Sarma positioned Assam as a strategic gateway to India’s Act East Policy, emphasizing its unparalleled geographical advantages, pro-business policies, and strong central government backing. He urged South Korean business leaders to tap into Assam’s growing industrial landscape, citing emerging opportunities in automobile manufacturing, tourism, and semiconductor industries.

Addressing over 140 top business leaders at the roadshow organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in South Korea, Sarma highlighted three major investment advantages of Assam stating that Assam serves as the gateway to South and Southeast Asia, with direct access to ASEAN markets, the Indian government’s Act East Policy has positioned Assam as a springboard for trade expansion, backed by robust central incentives and the state offers investor-friendly policies, special economic zones, and ease of doing business initiatives.

“Assam is not just a thriving investment hub but also a hotspot for tourism. With three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lush tea gardens, and scenic resorts, the state offers immense opportunities for both business and leisure,” Sarma stated.

Meeting with KOTRA

Sarma met with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) President Kyungsung Kang and a delegation of Korean industry leaders, urging them to explore joint ventures in trade, infrastructure, and industrial skilling.

Meeting with Korean automobile industry leaders

The Chief Minister engaged with CEOs from South Korea’s top automobile ancillary firms, offering unwavering government support to set up a large-scale auto manufacturing ecosystem in Assam. He emphasized Assam’s strategic proximity to India’s $100 billion auto industry and fast-growing Southeast Asian markets.

Semiconductor industry focus

Sarma promoted Assam’s ambitious semiconductor plans, highlighting the state’s initiative to develop a semiconductor ecosystem in Jagiroad, where the world’s largest OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing) unit is being set up.

A platform for global collaboration

Sarma assured South Korean investors that Advantage Assam 2.0 will serve as a knowledge-sharing and networking platform, enabling them to understand Assam’s evolving industrial ecosystem, explore new trade and business partnerships and capitalize on special incentives for foreign investors.

“This summit will not only strengthen India-South Korea trade relations but will also unlock new avenues for investment in Assam’s industrial and infrastructure sectors,” Sarma asserted.

With Korean business interest soaring, the roadshow in Seoul marks a significant milestone in Assam’s journey towards becoming an investment and industrial powerhouse.