Bengaluru, January 22, 2025: The Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (AIDC), in collaboration with FICCI as the industry partner, organized a roadshow today in Bengaluru, building momentum for the highly anticipated Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, scheduled for February 25-26, 2025, in Guwahati.
The roadshow featured a keynote address by Shri Ashok Singhal, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Irrigation, Government of Assam. He was joined by an esteemed panel of dignitaries, including:
1. Mr. K Ullas Kamath, Chairman FICCI Karnataka State Council & Chairman, UK & Co.
2. Dr. P. Ashok Babu, IAS Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Assam
3. Mr. Nitin Basant, Chief Technology Officer, Northeast Small Finance Bank
4. Mr. Bhairab Baruah, Lead Regulatory and Government Affairs TATA Semiconductor Assembly and Test, Jagiroad Assam
5. Mr. Vinod Subramanian, Vice- President, Invest India
6. Mr. Sazzad Alam, ACS, Joint Secretary to Govt of Assam
The event underscored Assam’s transformative journey and showcased the state’s immense investment potential across various sectors.
Highlights of the Address by Shri Ashok Singhal:
In his opening remarks, Shri Ashok Singhal highlighted Assam’s strategic geographical location, emphasizing its proximity to South and Southeast Asia, with the ability to reach 30% of the global population within a 3-4 hour flight. This strategic advantage positions Assam as an ideal hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
“Assam has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a region known for unrest into a peaceful and progressive destination,” said Shri Singhal. “The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has surged from $29 billion in 2013-14 to $68.7 billion in 2023-24, with a projected GSDP of $143 billion by 2030.”
The Minister outlined Assam’s commitment to fostering economic growth through infrastructure development, renewable energy expansion, and human resource empowerment, supported by robust government expenditure and private sector collaboration.
Key Initiatives Driving Assam’s Growth:
· Infrastructure Development: The Minister highlighted flagship projects such as India’s first International Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Jogighopa under the Bharatmala program, the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge over the Brahmaputra, and the Jagiroad Electronics City
· Manufacturing Expansion: Assam is diversifying beyond petrochemicals and tea into electronics, pharma, food processing, and FMCG production
· Green Energy Leadership: Assam is embracing solar power, green hydrogen, and green ammonia production to align economic growth with environmental sustainability
· Defense and Aerospace Opportunities: The state’s policies encourage the establishment of manufacturing facilities, research institutions, and partnerships in defense technology
· Tourism Potential: With seven national parks, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and abundant natural and cultural attractions, Assam is a prime destination for sustainable tourism
Ease of Doing Business and Investor-Friendly Policies:
Shri Singhal reiterated the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, supported by a robust single-window mechanism that has processed over 2.5 million approvals in recent years. Key policies like the Industrial & Investment Policy of Assam and the Assam Electronics Policy have catalyzed growth, with new initiatives such as the ESDM Policy and Green Hydrogen Policy positioning the state as a leader in emerging technologies.
He also emphasized the impact of the Government of India’s Act East Policy and the UNNATI Scheme, which provide significant incentives for investments in Northeast India.
Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit Announcement:
Shri Singhal announced that the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit will be held on February 25-26, 2025, preceded by a grand Jhumoir dance performance featuring 10,000 youth on February 24. The summit will be graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and will host a distinguished lineup of Union Ministers and industry leaders from India and abroad.
“I cordially invite you to explore the boundless opportunities Assam has to offer,” said Shri Singhal. “Our government is committed to providing unparalleled support and fostering a collaborative environment for businesses and investors.”
Assam: India’s Expressway to ASEAN:
Shri Singhal concluded by emphasizing Assam’s pivotal role as a gateway to Southeast Asia, envisioning the state as a vital hub for integrated and efficient supply chains in South and Southeast Asia. “Let us come together to unlock the potential of Assam and create a shared future of prosperity and innovation,” he added.
