Assam state is emerging as the ideal destination for investments capable of catering to not only the North East and the rest of India but also to serve as the manufacturing and services hub for the ASEAN region, one of the world’s fastest growing region with an economy of more than USD 3 trillion, said Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam at an event in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Sonowal also announced that the largest-ever investment promotion and facilitation initiative by the Government of Assam, ‘Advantage Assam – Global Investors Summit’ will be organized in association with FICCI on February 3-4, 2018, in Guwahati.

He also unveiled the website of ‘Advantage Assam’ at a curtain raiser organized by FICCI.

The Summit would showcase the tremendous investment opportunities and highlight the geo-strategic advantages offered to investors by Assam.

The Chief Minister said that with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s clarion call to transform North East of India as ‘New Engine’ of growth for the country, Assam was now the land of potential, possibilities and prosperity.

He urged industry leaders to invest in Assam, India’s Expressway to ASEAN, and assured that a safe and secure environment will be provided to them to facilitate their endeavors.

Assam with its strategic location offers a market of 800 million people as it serves as the gateway to South-East Asian market.

Chandra Mohan Patowary, Industries Minister, Government of Assam, said that the Government of Assam was pro-development and was safeguarding the interests of both the investors and labor. Committed to providing a conducive and business-friendly ecosystem to investors, the government had recognized the importance of skill development and was working towards providing skilled manpower to the industry.

Enumerating the various policy initiatives of the Government of Assam, V K Pipersenia, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, said that the state was at the centre of India-ASEAN interface and was gearing to take giant leaps towards development and prosperity. He added that issue of connectivity was being addressed. The government was enhancing airways, roadways, waterways, railways and internet connectivity in the state.