Assam CM showcases Assam’s potential in Singapore, seeks stronger India-ASEAN ties

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 12, 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, currently on a three-day visit to Singapore, met with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Wednesday, emphasizing Assam’s strategic role in strengthening the India-ASEAN partnership. He highlighted the state’s potential to become a hub for semiconductors, green energy, skilling, and innovation-driven industries, inviting deeper collaboration between Assam and Singapore.

As part of his efforts to attract global investors to Advantage Assam 2.0, Sarma addressed a roadshow in Singapore, engaging with over 200 business leaders across various sectors. He outlined Assam’s unique investment advantages, including its strategic location, single-window clearance system, investor-friendly policies, robust law and order, and highly skilled workforce.

Sarma underscored the strong India-Singapore trade ties, citing bilateral trade of $35.6 billion in 2023-24, with Singapore ranking as India’s 6th largest trading partner. He positioned Assam as a gateway to expanding this economic relationship, urging investors to explore the state’s infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial potential.

Highlighting Assam’s booming economy and infrastructure growth, Sarma presented investment opportunities, backed by projected GSDP of $143 billion, $12.2 billion earmarked for infrastructure revamp, daily construction of 15 km of roads and 6,000 MW green energy target.

He assured investors of high returns and a stable business environment, emphasizing Assam’s rising role in India’s economic growth story.

During his visit, Sarma toured AEM Singapore, engaging with Singapore Semiconductor Industries Association leaders and key ecosystem stakeholders. He outlined Assam’s ambitions to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub, citing Tata Electronics’ OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing) facility in Jagiroad as a major step forward.

Sarma invited global semiconductor firms to establish operations in Assam, assuring them of policy support, infrastructure, and a skilled workforce trained for Industry 4.0. He also visited Silicon Box, discussing advanced chip manufacturing technologies with CEO Dr. Byung Joon Han and his team.

Sarma also unveiled plans for a World Skill Centre in Assam, designed to equip the state’s youth with Industry 4.0 skills. He urged Singaporean companies to collaborate in shaping a next-generation workforce capable of meeting the demands of global industries.

Sarma held multiple meetings with leading investors and corporate leaders, including AEM Holdings, Cleantech, Lewe Engineering, STATS Chippac, SG, Akribis Systems, PEP Innovation, MTI, Temasek Polytechnic, Tata Electronics, Fuji Machine Mfg, and others.

He also engaged with the Assamese diaspora in Singapore, acknowledging their contributions and strengthening ties between Assam and the global Assamese community.

As Advantage Assam 2.0 approaches, Sarma expressed confidence that the event will solidify Assam’s position as a key investment destination. He reiterated the state’s commitment to developing trusted supply chains, enhancing industrial growth, and building a sustainable future through global collaborations.