Guwahati, Jan 15: As part of its global outreach initiative, a high-level delegation from Assam led by Industry Minister Bimal Borah conducted a strategic roadshow in Dubai on Wednesday to attract international investors ahead of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, scheduled for February 25-26 in Guwahati.
During the event, Borah engaged with prominent business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, highlighting Assam’s growing infrastructure and investment opportunities. Key initiatives such as the Jogighopa Multimodal Logistics Park were presented as game-changing projects positioning Assam as a pivotal logistics and trade hub for India’s Northeast region.
The minister detailed ongoing efforts to improve inland waterways for efficient goods transportation and capitalize on Assam’s strategic location for trade links with neighbouring countries and Southeast Asia. The state’s diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage were also emphasized as key attractions for tourism development.
“Assam stands at the cusp of unprecedented growth, offering unique opportunities across sectors from traditional industries to cutting-edge technology,” said Borah.
He highlighted Assam’s natural advantages, including, seven national parks and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 50% contribution to India’s onshore natural gas production and 97% share in India’s agarwood production, crucial for premium fragrances.
Special Secretary Syedain Abbasi outlined Assam’s ambitious vision to double its GDP from $69 billion to $138 billion by 2030, building on a consistent growth rate of 12.6% over the past decade. Current infrastructure projects valued at $12 billion include the construction of four major bridges across the Brahmaputra River and a $3 billion Tata Electronics semiconductor assembly unit at Jogighopa.
Abbasi also highlighted India’s first international multimodal logistics park in Assam, set to become a cornerstone for downstream industries and trade expansion.
Indian Consul General to Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, noted the importance of Assam’s outreach as India-UAE trade is set to reach record highs this financial year. He emphasized that UAE investments in India have already exceeded $18 billion, bolstered by an updated Bilateral Investment Treaty.
The delegation visited key UAE business hubs such as DP World, Bharat Mart, Transworld, and Meydan Free Zone to explore potential partnerships. Assam’s focus on renewable energy, including a planned 1,000 MW solar park supported by the Asian Development Bank, and the expansion of its healthcare network with 20 new medical colleges were highlighted as critical growth sectors.
The Dubai roadshow marks a pivotal step in Assam’s international investment strategy, setting the stage for Advantage Assam 2.0 to accelerate the state’s economic transformation and global engagement.
