Himanta leads roadshow in Mumbai in run-up to Advantage Assam 2.0

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 6, 2025

The Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (AIDC) organized a high-profile Roadshow in Mumbai on Monday to build momentum for the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, which is set to take place in Guwahati on February 25-26.

The Roadshow was led by chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alongside senior officials from the Assam government and prominent industry leaders. The event served as a strategic platform to highlight Assam’s unprecedented economic transformation and showcase the state’s investment potential across diverse sectors.

In the days leading up to the Roadshow, on January 4 and 5, a series of Government-to-Business (G2B) meetings were held with senior executives from leading Indian conglomerates. These discussions provided a deep dive into Assam’s investment landscape, with a focus on opportunities in infrastructure development, renewable energy, green industries, agri-processing, and tourism. The meetings were part of Assam’s ongoing efforts to attract national and global investments that align with the state’s long-term economic vision.

During the meetings, Sarma and the Assam delegation engaged with senior representatives from companies such as Tata Group, Mahindra Group, Adani Group, Larsen & Toubro, D-Mart, Essel Group, Welspun Group, and Piramal Group. Each interaction explored strategic partnerships aimed at fostering industrial growth and driving innovation in the region.

Addressing the audience at the roadshow, Sarma said, emphasized Assam’s rapid transformation into a leading investment destination, underscoring the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment. He pointed out, “Assam is strategically located and within 3 hours flying time from Guwahati, industries can access 30 per cent of world population across about 14 countries. Thus, making Assam as an ideal hub for trade and cultural exchange. It is one of the most peaceful destinations in India, undergoing comprehensive development with a soaring GSDP.”

He further discussed the state’s focus on infrastructure development, noting, “Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Assam has experienced rapid infrastructural growth post-2014, with investments exceeding Rs 65,000 crore in sectors such as roads, railways, and digital connectivity.” Dr. Sarma expressed his ambition for Assam to become a manufacturing hub, saying, “We are working with inspiration from PM Modi to make Assam a manufacturing hub in the years to come.” He also acknowledged the role of Tata Group, saying, “We are thankful to Tata Group for demolishing the myth that significant investments cannot happen in Northeast India.”

The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering an investment-friendly atmosphere, stressing that “Once investors come to Assam, they don’t want to leave.” He emphasized that the government is dedicated to providing a customized approach for every investor. “We believe in transparency and investment-friendly policies, ensuring that all levels of investment, big or small, are treated equally,” he added. Furthermore, he mentioned that the state has created a unique investment policy, stating, “We’ve created a single-line investment policy that is customized to the needs of the industry. Every industry has different requirements, and we ensure that we meet them.”

Sarma also spoke about the social transformation in Assam. “Assam is known for its egalitarian society, where no one is known by their caste but by being a good human being and we are strengthening these values to promote quality human capital ,” he stated. He highlighted several social welfare initiatives, including scholarships for girls and free education for students from economically disadvantaged sections of the society.

On the healthcare front, Sarma discussed Assam’s collaboration with Tata Trust to establish a world-class cancer care network. “With Tata Trust, we have created a model cancer care system in Assam. We have 50% contribution from Tata Trust and 50% from the state,” he shared. He also emphasized the state’s focus on education, saying, “Assam is home to top-tier educational institutions, and we are bullish on healthcare with 23 medical colleges 13 inaugurated 10 under progress.”

Sarma highlighted Assam’s geographical importance, noting, “The Northeast is India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, and Assam’s strategic location will play a pivotal role in the country’s future growth. From Assam, we can easily reach Bihar, Bengal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh, making it an important geography for the country.” Referring to the North East Region, he mentioned, “PM refers to the Northeast as ‘Ashtalakshmi’ as he realizes the immense potential of this region. The future is waiting here. The Northeast is not just the last region, but also the first — as it serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia.”

He expressed his confidence in Assam’s potential, stating, “We are bullish on Assam’s future and will aggressively push for industrialization. We believe that every industry deserves attention, and we will provide the right ecosystem to make that happen.” He also mentioned Assam’s commitment to flexibility in adapting policies, saying, “Our officers will work with you, and we have no hesitation in restructuring rules and regulations. We want laws to be facilitators, not obstacles for industries.”

In his closing remarks, Sarma extended an open invitation to investors, saying, “On 24th February, we invite you to join us for a grand event with 10,000 youth performing for the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The main conference will be held on 25th-26th February, and we are confident that you will find the confidence to bring your investments to Assam.”

He concluded with a powerful message: “Investing in Assam means investing in the future of our great nation. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your investment makes a lasting impact.”

The state has been making significant strides in its economic development, establishing itself as a thriving hub of investment and innovation in India. Over the last decade, Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has seen remarkable growth, increasing from $29 billion in 2013-14 to $68.7 billion in 2023-24. The state is now targeting a GSDP of $143 billion by FY 2029-30, supported by a $26 billion capital investment plan.

With its strategic location as a gateway to South East Asia, Assam is actively fostering cross-border trade with ASEAN and SAARC countries. Enhanced connectivity with neighbouring nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal further strengthens the state’s position as a pivotal economic player in the region.