Curtain Raiser for Advantage Assam: Global Investors’ Summit

Sonowal highlights plethora of investment opportunities in Assam 

New Delhi : Inviting the industrialists of the country to the first ever Global Investors’ Summit to be held on 3 and 4 February 2018 in Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal appealed them to become the partner of the state and work together for the growth of the nation. Delivering his key note address at the curtain raiser of ‘Advantage Assam: Global Investors’ Summit’ at a hotel in New Delhi today Chief Minister Sonowal said, “Assam is a state full of potentiality, prosperity and possibility. Terrorism is no longer a threat here. Rather Assam is a land with verdant natural and mineral resources where a peaceful and conducive atmosphere is ruling the roost for investment”. 

 He also said that ever since the new government has taken power in the State, it has been steadfastly pursuing the agenda of inclusive growth and sustainable development. He informed that after being saddled in power, the State Government in its very first assembly session passed the Ease of Doing Business and the government will continue to lay emphasis on ease of doing business and proactive investor facilitation in line with the vision set forth by honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also hailed Modi for addressing North East as Astha Laxmi and terming it as the new growth engine which according to him set the momentum for development of North East. Sonowal also observed that under the renewed attention of the Centre towards North East’s development and in the back drop of Act East Policy, Assam is tipped to be the gateway of the East and South East Asian Nations and as a result, the region especially Assam is opening up for a market of 180 crore people of ASEAN countries. With the spirit of team Assam Government of Assam is working resolutely to reap rich dividends of the Act East Policy and accordingly set up an Act East Policy Affairs Department, Sonowal professed. 

 The Chief Minister also called upon the investors to invest in Assam with an open mind as the government will provide all possible support to the investors to develop their business in the State. He also informed that a new industrial policy in line with the NEIIPP is on the pipe line, as the Centre is actively considering to announce the new Industrial Policy to incentivise investments in Assam. Highlighting his Government’s initiatives of transforming Guwahati into a business hub of the region, Chief Minister Sonowal informed his Cabinet’s decision of setting up of twin towers in Guwahati which will encourage all the prospective business houses to set up their office in the city. Sonowal also outlined the synergistic approach of the Central and the State Governments in developing infrastructure on railways, roadways, airways and waterways. 

The Chief Minister further said that the Governments at the State and the Centre have taken up all possible steps to build up road, rail, air and waterways infrastructure so that investors can come to Assam and reap the benefits. Rs two lakh crore is being pumped in to build up the road infrastructure in Assam in particular and the North East region in general. Dredging of the Brahmaputra will be taken up soon at a cost of Rs.400 crore to make it more navigational, he added. Speaking on the improved law and order situation in the State which is evident from the spontaneous participation of all sections of the people in the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, Sonowal said that within one year and five months of the BJP led State Government’s rule, the State has garnered an investment to the tune of Rs. 6500 crore. 

 The proposed Investors’ Summit is an attempt of the State Government to catapult investment and stimulate the State’s development, Sonowal added. State Government will hold road shows in all the major cities in the country to elicit response from all the stake holders for the Investors’ Summit which would be organised in association with FICCI, Sonowal quipped. Synchronising with the function, he also launched a web-site for Advantage Assam Investors’ Summit. Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary while speaking on the occasion highlighted on the need of skilled manpower and said that state government is setting up Skill Development Centres in every village for skilled man power. Earlier, immediate past president of FICCI Harsha Vardhan Neotia gave welcome address. Additional Chief Secretary Ravi Capoor gave a power point presentation on investment opportunities in Assam. Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta, Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.