New Delhi [India], January 8 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday urged diplomats, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners from ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and European countries, as well as industry leaders and stakeholders, to invest in Assam, according to an official press release.

In his keynote address to diplomats from 36 countries, industry representatives, and other stakeholders, CM Sarma highlighted Assam’s rapid progress in infrastructure, health, education, and other sectors over the past decade.

Sarma revealed that INR 1 lakh crore worth of new infrastructure projects are underway in the state, including three new bridges over the Brahmaputra, a satellite city around Guwahati with assistance from the Singapore Government, and a railway line from Guwahati to Gelephu, Bhutan, among others.

Underscoring the importance of green energy, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s focus on clean, green, and renewable energy. He added that all upcoming industries in Assam are expected to rely on green power sources, citing the Tata semiconductor plant at Jagiroad as an example.

Highlighting Assam’s economic strength, CM Sarma described the state as one of India’s strongest growth engines, with an impressive growth rate of 12.5%. He also pointed to Assam’s status as an educational hub, hosting reputed institutions such as IIT, AIIMS, IIM, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, several state and central universities, an agriculture university, and an upcoming NIELIT University campus.

'Assam has the requisite skill and ability to deliver. It has the wherewithal to ensure that those willing to invest get similar incentives as offered by any other state in the country,' he stated.

The Chief Minister also announced plans to create a corpus fund of INR 25,000 crore to incentivize industrial production, aiming to foster rapid industrialization in the state. 'Come and become partners of Assam’s growth story,' he added.

CM Sarma revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Defence for declaring areas near Guwahati and Nagaon as a defense corridor. Additionally, he highlighted the government’s emphasis on skill development through initiatives like the North East Skill Centre, which has trained 10,000 youths.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing the development of the Northeast, CM Sarma credited the Prime Minister for branding the region as India’s growth engine and Ashtalakshmi.

The Chief Minister also spoke about Assam’s conservation successes in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, its natural resources, and efforts to preserve its rich heritage. He invited diplomats to witness the largest-ever performance of the Jhumur dance, involving 8,000 dancers, on February 24—a day before the Advantage Assam Summit 2.0. The event will also be attended by the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.

'I appeal to you to come on February 24 to witness the Jhumur dance and experience the cultural vibrancy and youthfulness of Assam,' he stated.

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota presented an overview of Assam’s strengths and opportunities for investment in key sectors, including tourism, fragrance and flavors, food and beverages, renewable energy, and mobility and logistics. He emphasized Assam’s locational advantage as the gateway to BBN and ASEAN countries, its rich natural resources, robust connectivity, skilled workforce, and industry-friendly policies.

Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar, noted that Assam is no longer a land of lahe lahe (slow-moving) but is on a faster growth trajectory.

The event also saw participation from Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Chairman of FICCI NEAC Ranjit Barthakur, President of FICCI, and the CEO of Invest India.

The day-long precursor events to Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 began with a roundtable interaction with bilateral chambers and trade associations.

(ANI)