Guwahati: The second edition of the ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ the summit commenced today in Guwahati with a grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a pivotal step toward positioning the state as a nexus of trade, technology, and international collaboration. The high-profile event, attended by global business leaders, policymakers, and diplomats, aims to unlock Assam’s economic potential and solidify its role in India’s growth story.
Inauguration and Visionary Addresses
Prime Minister Modi, inaugurating the summit, underscored the Northeast’s historical significance and its renewed role in India’s development. “History is witness that Eastern India has played a crucial role in India’s prosperity. Today, as India moves toward becoming a developed nation, the Northeast is once again set to showcase its strength,” he said. Reflecting on Assam’s progress, he added, “Reading the alphabet, I once said ‘A for Assam’—a vision now turning into reality.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma credited PM Modi’s leadership for the state’s turnaround, highlighting transformative investments such as a new Greenfield Fertilizer Plant announced in the Union Budget. “Post-2014, Assam was reborn. From being a disturbed state, it is now India’s most peaceful and a beacon of growth,” Sarma stated.
Key Sessions and Strategic Discussions
The summit’s first day featured high-impact sessions targeting critical sectors:
“My Path to a Developed Assam”: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia joined industry leaders from Nokia, Reliance Jio, and BSNL to discuss Assam’s investment prospects. The session emphasized infrastructure, digital connectivity, and job creation.
India-Bhutan Economic Cooperation: Bhutan’s Agriculture Minister Yonten Phuntsho and Indian executives explored bolstering cross-border trade, tourism, and sustainable partnerships.
“Act East, Act Fast, Act First”: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to leveraging the Act East Policy, enhancing connectivity with Southeast Asia. Ambassadors from Singapore, the EU, Japan, and Bhutan underscored opportunities in trade and infrastructure.
Semiconductor Ecosystem: Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw led discussions on Assam’s potential in semiconductor manufacturing, with experts from HCL, Renesas, and academia stressing innovation and skill development.
Global Participation and Future Prospects
The summit saw robust international engagement, with envoys like Singapore’s High Commissioner Simon Wong and EU Ambassador Herve Delphin highlighting Assam’s strategic appeal. Sessions also delved into green energy, agro-industries, and tourism, aligning with India’s self-reliance goals.
With over 5,000 delegates and 400+ exhibitors, the two-day summit is poised to catalyze investments and partnerships across sectors. As PM Modi noted, the event embodies Assam’s resurgence—a blend of peace, policy, and potential poised to transform the Northeast into a global economic gateway.
The summit continues tomorrow, with outcomes expected to shape Assam’s trajectory as a hub for innovation, international trade, and inclusive growth.
