Guwahati, Nov 24: The Assam government will host the second edition of Advantage Assam on February 24 and 25, 2024, in Guwahati, to enhance investment opportunities in the state. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that the first edition of Advantage Assam in 2018 had drawn investment proposals worth Rs 1 lakh crore.
However, the momentum could not be sustained due to the pandemic. Despite this, investment proposals have continued to flow in during the intervening years. The Chief Minister emphasized that Assam has established a reputation as a hub of good governance and an attractive investment destination. He attributed this progress to the peaceful environment and the movement-free atmosphere created in recent years.
This improved stability has played a significant role in boosting investor confidence.
Advantage Assam 2025 aims to showcase the state’s economic potential and attract significant investments to bolster its growth trajectory. The Chief Minister emphasized the summit’s focus on investment and infrastructure, stating that infrastructure development is key to attracting investments.
The event will include several sessions highlighting various infrastructure sectors. There will be a session on the road transport system which will be inaugurated by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. The railway infrastructure session will be led by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan will be invited to inaugurate the agriculture infrastructure session. The Union Civil Aviation Minister will inaugurate the civil aviation session focusing on aviation infrastructure.
The summit aims to create a robust platform to showcase Assam’s potential and attract investments in key infrastructure sectors. Sarma also said the event will also include dedicated sessions on industrial investment and Assam’s hydrocarbon sector.
The Chief Minister noted that the state’s decision to establish a semiconductor industry has garnered interest from several industrial groups, signalling a promising future for Assam’s industrial development.
Furthermore, the summit will explore investment trends and potentialities in India over the next three years. A cultural highlight of the event will be a Jhumur dance performance to be showcased on either February 24 or 25. This large-scale cultural event will feature 7,500 performers, including 32 girls from each of Assam’s 800 tea estates, representing the rich heritage of the tea community.
“To ensure a successful execution, the government is preparing a detailed roadmap that includes master trainer workshops, Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC)-level workshops, and district-level rehearsals for the participating artists. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to showcasing its cultural vibrancy alongside its economic and infrastructural aspirations,” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Advantage Assam 2.0 will be a pragmatic and theme-oriented summit, avoiding extravagant displays. To promote the state as an investment destination, three delegations will visit Singapore and Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, one of these teams will make a trip to Dubai.
The Assam government also plans to conduct roadshows in six major Indian metropolitan cities: Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, along with Kolkata, to create awareness and engage with potential investors.
Highlighting Assam’s bilateral cooperation with Bhutan, the Chief Minister revealed plans to explore the use of water flowing from Bhutan’s hills for irrigation and water supply. This includes implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in parts of Udalguri district and ensuring 365-day irrigation for farmers in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) by utilizing Bhutan’s water resources. This cross-border water management could significantly benefit agriculture and drinking water supply in Assam.
