Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “East and Northeast India are embarking on a new future today and Advantage Assam is a mega initiative to intertwine the incredible potential and progress of Assam with the world.”
He said this while inaugurating the major investment summit Advantage Assam 2.0 in Guwahati on February 25 in the presence of distinguished group of investors, industrialists, politicians, and diplomats.
“Today, when we are progressing towards Viksit Bharat, Eastern India and North East will display their true potential,” Mr Modi said. He said that Advantage Assam was a representation of the same spirit and congratulated the Government and the Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for organising such a grand event. He recalled his words from 2013, when he had said that it was not very far when ‘A for Assam’ would be the norm.
“Assam’s contribution to India’s growth is steadily increasing. During the first edition of the Advantage Assam Summit held in 2018, Assam’s economy was valued at ₹2.75 lakh cr while it is approximately ₹6 lakh crore today. The State’s economy has doubled in just six years,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “The numerous investments in Assam have Transformed into a land of unlimited opportunities.”
He pointed out that Assam has set a target to achieve a $150 billion economy by 2030. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Assam can achieve this goal, attributing it to the capable and talented people of Assam and the commitment of their Government.
“Assam is emerging as a gateway between South East Asia and India, to harness this potential, the Government has launched the North East Transformative Industrialisation Scheme, ‘Unnati’ which will accelerate industry, investment, and tourism across the entire region. I urge industry partners to take full advantage of this scheme & tap the State’s unlimited potential. Assam’s natural resources and strategic location make it a preferred destination for investment,” the Prime Minister mentioned.
According to the Prime Minister, Assam has always had a share in global trade. Over 50% of India’s on-shore natural gas production comes from Assam & there has been a significant increase in the capacity of refineries in the recent years. The State is rapidly emerging in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and green energy and due to Government policies, Assam is becoming a hub for high-tech industries as well as start-ups.
Commenting on the Central Government’s recent approval of the Namrup-4 plant, the Prime Minister said, “The urea production plant will meet the demand of the entire North East and the country in the future. The day is not far when Assam will become a major manufacturing hub in Eastern India.”
Mr Modi proudly noted that Assam is developing as an important centre for semiconductor manufacturing in India, “With India’s speed and scale, the country will emerge as a major force in semiconductor production, creating employment for millions and benefiting Assam’s economy.”
“Today, the North East and Eastern India are rapidly advancing in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and industry. Soon the world will see this region leading India’s development journey,” Prime Minister stated.
He invited everyone to be partners and companions in this journey with Assam and concluded by calling for collective efforts to make Assam a State that elevates India’s capabilities to new heights across the global South.
