Assam hosts investors' roadshow in Kolkata, highlights respective opportunities ahead of "Advantage Assam 2.0"

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 28 (ANI): The Assam Government organized a highly successful Investors' Roadshow at Hotel Taj Bengal, Kolkata, serving as a prelude to the much-anticipated "Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025." scheduled for February 25-26 in Guwahati, the summit aims to showcase Assam's transformative growth journey and its immense potential as a premier investment destination and gateway to South and Southeast Asia, said a press release.
The roadshow featured a keynote address by Ashok Singhal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Irrigation, Government of Assam, who emphasized Assam's dynamic infrastructure development, green energy initiatives, and diversified manufacturing sectors. Notable dignitaries such as Sonali Ghosal, Co-Chair of FICCI, West Bengal State Council; Mukesh Chandra Sahu, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam; and P. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, IAS, Managing Director of Assam Small Industries Development Corporation Limited, were also present, along with prominent industry leaders, the release said.
In his address, Singhal highlighted Assam's efforts in reviving infrastructure through transformative projects such as the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge and Jagiroad Electronics City. He noted the state's leadership in green energy with initiatives in solar power, green hydrogen, and ammonia production. Assam is also fostering growth in manufacturing sectors including electronics, pharma, food processing, FMCG, and petrochemicals while positioning itself as a hub for IT and Industry 4.0 capabilities. He emphasized Assam's rich tourism potential, citing the state's cultural heritage, wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens, and opportunities in adventure and eco-tourism, and invited investors to explore these untapped opportunities, the release mentioned.
The Minister also drew attention to Bhutan's upcoming "World Happiness City" near Assam's border, a development envisioned to rival Singapore and Dubai. Investors were encouraged to leverage opportunities in manufacturing and other sectors supported by Assam's bespoke industrial policies, which offer customizable incentives, including capital subsidies, SGST reimbursement, and production-linked incentives. Notably, industries with investments exceeding Rs 100 crore and creating over 200 jobs are eligible for tailor-made solutions. To date, the state has signed 21 MOUs worth over Rs 14,000 crore, with investments from major companies such as PepsiCo and Dalmia Cement, added the release.
Minister Singhal underscored the importance of skill development and workforce empowerment through initiatives such as the Assam Skill University, developed in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, and collaborations with Tata Technologies and Dassault Systems to modernize ITIs and polytechnics. Additionally, the Tata Semiconductor OSAT Unit, powered entirely by green energy, is set to create 15,000 direct jobs, cementing Assam's position as a leader in electronics manufacturing, the release mentioned.
During the interactive Q&A session, Minister Singhal addressed queries from investors about Assam's investment policies, incentives and ease of doing business, fostering confidence and enthusiasm among attendees, the release added.
The roadshow attracted prominent organizations, including Emami Limited, Sona Vets, Civil Engineers Enterprises Private Limited, Godrej Agrovet Limited, and more. Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings were held with companies from various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, semiconductors, textiles, IT-ITeS, and electronics. Leading organizations like Civil Engineers Enterprises Private Limited, KOTRA Kolkata, GEE Ltd., Emami Limited, Anmol Feeds Pvt. Ltd., Mendine Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Godrej Agrovet Limited, Seacom Group, GD Mining, Sona Vets, RC Agarwal Memorial Hospital, Hotel Polo Towers Group, JIS College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Merlin Projects Ltd, Prestige Ice Creams Private Limited, SHRM Biotechnologies Pvt. Ltd., and Hotel Sonar Bangla Group engaged in discussions with Minister Singhal, the release said.
These interactions highlighted Assam's diverse opportunities for investments and partnerships across industries. During these meetings, business leaders appreciated the Government of Assam's proactive approach and expressed a keen interest in exploring investment opportunities across diverse sectors. Many also confirmed their participation in Advantage Assam 2.0 and expressed optimism about contributing to Assam's economic growth, the release added.
Singhal revealed that the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit will be held on February 25-26, 2025, in Guwahati. He shared that the summit will be preceded by a grand Jhumoir dance performance featuring over 8,000 youth on February 24. The event will be graced by the Prime Minister of India and will bring together a distinguished lineup of Union Ministers and industry leaders and policymakers from India and abroad, the release said.
Concluding the roadshow, Singhal extended an invitation to stakeholders to join Advantage Assam 2.0, emphasizing the government's commitment to fostering partnerships and investments. "Together, we can unlock Assam's immense potential and contribute to India's growth story," he stated. (ANI)