The Government of Assam, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, has embarked on an ambitious journey to attract investments and drive industrial development to the state through the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit. Scheduled to take place on February 25–26, 2025, in Guwahati, the summit aims to position Assam as a premier investment destination by leveraging its strategic location, abundant natural resources, and proactive government policies.
As part of the preparations for the summit, the state has conducted a series of high-level roadshows in Mumbai and New Delhi, engaging with top industrialists, diplomats, and stakeholders to showcase Assam’s vast economic potential and investor-friendly environment. These roadshows have served as a precursor to the upcoming summit, generating significant momentum and strengthening investor confidence.
Mumbai Roadshow Highlights
The Mumbai roadshow focused on engaging with industry leaders from some of India’s largest conglomerates, including the Tata Group, Mahindra Group, Larsen & Toubro, Adani Airports, HDFC Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Sun Pharma, and DMART. Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, leading a high-powered delegation from the Government of Assam, held a series of high-profile meetings during his three-day visit to Mumbai, showcasing Assam’s investment potential.
Dr Sarma met with top executives from the Tata Group, including Chairman N Chandrasekaran, to discuss opportunities in infrastructure, green energy, electronics, and other key sectors. He invited the Tata Group to the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit. Discussions with Sun Pharma, L&T, Mahindra Group, Welspun Group, and Hindustan Unilever highlighted Assam’s pro-investment policies, strategic location, and economic growth, including a remarkable 19.1% GSDP increase in FY 2024.
During his interactions, Dr Sarma emphasised Assam’s rapid transformation into a leading investment destination, supported by robust infrastructure and a business-friendly environment. He explored collaborations in renewable energy, aerospace, defence manufacturing, food processing, and hydrocarbons. Additionally, Dr Sarma outlined Assam’s ambitious plans to bolster its economy, including allocating Rs 25,000 crores for a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to attract large-scale investments. Highlighting the state’s strategic location, he noted that industries based in Assam could access 30 per cent of the world’s population within a three-hour flight from Guwahati.
At a vibrant roadshow held at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, Dr Sarma appealed to industry leaders to explore Assam’s emerging business opportunities. He emphasised the state’s leadership in the hydrocarbon sector, its thriving tourism industry, and the ongoing execution of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in infrastructure projects. Dr Sarma extended an open invitation to stakeholders to participate in Advantage Assam 2.0 and assured the state government’s willingness to amend laws and restructure policies to create a conducive environment for investment.
Key Meetings and Engagements
Tata Group: Dr Sarma met with Chairman N Chandrasekaran and senior executives from Tata Group companies, highlighting Assam’s potential in infrastructure, green energy, tea, electronics, semiconductors, and skilling initiatives. Discussions included leveraging Tata Electronics’ Rs 27,000 crore OSAT project to catalyse growth in Assam’s electronics and semiconductor sectors.
Mahindra Group: A meeting with Chairman Anand Mahindra focused on partnering to expedite Assam’s industrialisation. Opportunities in the automotive and EV sectors were discussed, and Mahindra Group was invited to the summit.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T): CEO S N Subramanyam was invited to explore collaborations in sustainable construction and infrastructure projects.
Adani Group: Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Online, discussed opportunities in the power, infrastructure, and defence sectors. Assam assured us of support for Adani’s expansion plans.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL): Senior executives from HUL deliberated on boosting Assam’s tea industry and expanding their operations in the state.
Piramal Group and DMART: Discussions with Ajay Piramal and Radhakrishnan Damani centred on healthcare, retail, and social initiatives.
Welspun Group, Sun Pharma, HDFC Bank, and DMART: Engagements focused on opportunities across heavy industries, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and retail.
Assam Strengthens Investor Confidence at Advantage Assam 2.0 Roadshow in New Delhi
The Government of Assam, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, took significant strides in fortifying investor confidence during the Advantage Assam 2.0 roadshow in New Delhi on January 7. This event forms a crucial prelude to the Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Guwahati on February 25–26, 2025. Key interactions with industrialists and diplomats were held to promote Assam’s economic vision and policy framework, focusing on investments in semiconductors, aerospace and defence, food processing, tourism, and renewable energy sectors.
Strategic Engagements with Industry Leaders
Dr Sarma spearheaded a high-profile CEO roundtable at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, attended by Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal and prominent industry leaders. Discussions highlighted Assam’s robust industrial policies, natural resource wealth, and strategic location as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. Industry captains expressed their support, appreciating Assam’s proactive governance and its conducive ecosystem for large-scale investments. The Chief Minister reiterated Assam’s commitment to fostering industrial growth, extending an open invitation to industries to participate in the state’s transformative journey.
International Diplomacy and Bilateral Trade Opportunities
The event also included Ambassadors’ Roundtables with diplomats from ASEAN, BIMSTEC, European, Nordic, and other regions. These discussions centred on enhancing trade connectivity and bilateral investment opportunities, underscoring Assam’s pivotal role in strengthening India’s ties with Southeast Asia. Dr Sarma emphasised Assam’s potential to be a hub for international economic collaboration, fostering cross-border trade and investments. A parallel session with bilateral chambers of commerce was chaired by Assam’s Chief Secretary, Shri Ravi Kota, further deepening the state’s outreach to global stakeholders.
Sector-Specific Investment Opportunities: The Advantage Assam 2.0 roadshow showcased Assam’s strategic focus on emerging industries:
Semiconductors and Electronics: Assam is positioning itself as a major player in India’s semiconductor and electronics supply chain, catalysed by Tata Electronics’ Rs 27,000 crore OSAT project at Jagiroad. This landmark investment is expected to drive ancillary industries, creating a robust ecosystem for electronic manufacturing and system design.
Aerospace and Defence: With plans to establish dedicated industrial zones equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, Assam aims to attract defence and aerospace manufacturers, aligning with India’s self-reliance initiatives.
Renewable Energy: Assam’s abundant resources and land availability are key drivers for investments in solar energy, green hydrogen, and hydrocarbon projects, contributing to national clean energy goals while promoting local development.
Tourism and Hospitality: Leveraging its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, Assam is promoting eco-tourism and luxury river cruises along the Brahmaputra to attract global visitors, boosting employment in the hospitality sector.
Fragrance and Flavour Industry: Assam is leveraging its reserves of agarwood, citronella, and lemongrass to become a global leader in essential oils and aromatic products, generating export opportunities and supporting rural economies.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Driving Future-Ready Industries
Assam has introduced a robust Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, allocating Rs 25,000 crore to boost investments in cutting-edge sectors such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and renewable energy. With competitive incentives designed to attract investments exceeding Rs 100 crore, the scheme reflects the state’s commitment to fostering industrial growth and innovation. By focusing on these future-ready industries, Assam aims to position itself as a hub for sustainable technology while generating significant employment opportunities for its citizens.
Infrastructure Investments: Strengthening Assam’s Growth: The state of Assam is witnessing an unprecedented push in infrastructure development, with ongoing projects valued at Rs 1.5 lakh crore. This includes Rs 65,000 crore funded by the state government and an additional Rs 1 lakh crore contributed by the central government. These projects span various sectors, aiming to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life for the people of Assam.
Commitment to Economic Growth and Employment: Through initiatives like the PLI scheme and significant infrastructure investments, Assam is demonstrating a clear vision for economic development and job creation. By targeting high-potential sectors and modernizing its infrastructure, the state is paving the way for a prosperous and self-reliant future.
Strategic Advantages of Assam
Geographic Location: Assam is India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, with 30 per cent of the world’s population accessible within a 3-hour flight from Guwahati.
Policy Incentives: Competitive PLI schemes, streamlined approvals, and customised incentives for large-scale investments.
Peace and Stability: A peaceful state with a rapidly growing economy (19.1 per cent GSDP growth in FY 2024).
Vision for Advantage Assam 2.0
Global Roadshows: Upcoming engagements in Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, USA, UK, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.
Summit Preparation: Hosting key Union Ministers and international delegates at Advantage Assam 2.0 in February.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit is a testament to Assam’s visionary approach to economic growth and industrial development. By leveraging its strategic geographic location, rich natural resources, and progressive policy framework, the state is positioning itself as a premier investment destination. The proactive outreach through roadshows and high-level engagements in Mumbai, New Delhi, and globally has already generated significant momentum. With a focus on emerging industries like semiconductors, renewable energy, aerospace, and tourism, Assam is paving the way for sustainable development, robust infrastructure, and employment opportunities. As the state welcomes global stakeholders to the summit, it reaffirms its commitment to becoming a gateway to Southeast Asia and a leading economic powerhouse in India.
