Once troubled by insurgency and unrest, Assam has now emerged as the most peaceful in the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, said Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarm while welcoming investors and industrialists, dignitaries at the inaugural session of Advantage Assam 2.0.
Terming the mega summit as a landmark event in Assam’s industrial journey, the Chief Minister said, “Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit will mark a new era of growth and opportunity. I take the opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Assam.”
The Chief Minister referred to the history of over 200 years of Assam Tea, the State’s first major industry. He emphasized Assam’s pioneering role in the nation’s oil & coal industry which started as early as in 1847 and laid the foundation for Assam’s sustained economic growth.
“At the time of Independence, Assam was an economic front runner enriched with tea, natural resources and hydrocarbon reserves with per capita income above the national average by four per cent,’’ the Chief Minister informed the gathering.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam has undergone a historic transformation. PM’s commitment has propelled Assam into a new era of rapid development and renewed optimism. Since 2014, over 2,324 km of National Highways have been constructed. Indian Railways has completed gauge conversion of 600 km of meter gauge lines. Moreover, Assam is now a catalyst for India’s aviation growth, LGBI becoming one of the busiest airport in India. State GDP has surged from $29 bn in 2013–14 to $68.7 bn in 2023–24, reflecting a growth of 12.4 per cent CAGR.”
The Chief Minister urged industrialists, investors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discover Assam’s vast investment potential across diverse sectors, “Assam is ready to be the investors’ reliable partner, ensuring that their investment journey is rewarding and full of boundless opportunities.”
Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit concluded on a high note with the investment assurance of a whopping 5.16 lakh cr. Speaking at the valedictory session, the Chief Minister said, “The Summit will create a vibrant landscape to change Assam from a dependable State to a contributory State which can contribute meaningfully in the transformation of Viksit Bharat. The State has the distinction of discovering the first coal mine, first oil field and first oil refinery.”
He said that Assam is ready for the fresh beginning with several achievements, “From this year onwards, the Jagiroad Semiconductor will start producing 48 million chips to be supplied to domestic and international markets. The Numaligarh Refinery Limited will become the first in its segment to produce bio-ethanol from bamboo, thereby becoming the first refinery to achieve this feat. The new terminal of LGBI Airport will be dedicated this year along with a bridge over the Brahmaputra connecting Guwahati with North Guwahati. All these taken together will transform the growth trajectory of Assam,” he said.
“The unprecedented success in the summit will translate into overall positive development in the State. This success has also emboldened the Government of Assam to work more resolutely to make Assam the trendsetter and an important contributor in the country’s journey for Viksit Assam,” the Chief Minister affirmed, adding, “Members of the SHGs are important forces for a resurgent and Atmanirbhar Asom. Therefore, the Government has a well laid out roadmap for taking this vibrant force in the development journey of the State.”
