Assam is gearing up to host the two-day ‘Assam Advantage 2.0’ from February 25 at the Khanapara Veterinary College grounds in Guwahati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event, which is set to boost the development of Assam and the region.
The event commenced with a vibrant traditional Jhumoir dance on Monday (February 24) performed by over 8,600 artists from the Adivasi tribe, representing 800 tea gardens across the state. Prime Minister Modi attended the performance at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, marking the beginning of the mega summit.
While the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was confident that Advantage Assam 2.0 would change Assam’s journey for all time to come, several Union Ministers, Industrialists, Heads of Mission, and Ambassadors from different countries have begun arriving to participate in the mega Infrastructure & Investment Summit.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who arrived on Sunday expressed confidence that the event will be successful in bringing investment in the state. In his view the participation of envoys of different nations in the summit showcases how much the world is interested in Assam. He told the media that ambassadors from 45 nations have come with him and noted that “Act East nations” have a particular interest in the Advantage Assam 2.0.
According to the Assam Chief Minister Sarma the state as of now has around proposals worth Rs 1 lakh crore. “Let us see how it is unfolded,” he said.
During the second-day summit, several sessions on many key issues will be held. The Union Ministerial Sessions at the Summit will feature Union Ministers leading discussions on critical sectors and topics such as “I-Way to Viksit Assam,” Act East policy, semiconductors, export promotion and others, highlighting Assam’s growth potential.
They will share insights on national and regional economic strategies. Seven Union Ministers will participate in discussions and sessions at the summit, focusing on policy frameworks, investment opportunities, and Assam’s contribution to India’s economic growth.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will conduct the “Act East, Act Fast and Act First” session with diplomats, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will conduct the “I-Way to Viksit Assam” session, and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will conduct a session on semiconductors and Railways.
There will be 20 Thematic Sessions focusing on Healthcare, Green Gold Revolution, Tourism, Startups, and other transformative themes, fostering strategic collaborations. The B2B and B2G meetings at Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit will serve as a dynamic platform for business leaders, investors, and industry stakeholders to explore partnerships and collaborations.
Over 88,000 sq ft of space is allotted to over 150 industries and entrepreneurs across Assam, including exhibitors such as Tata, HUL, IOCL, ONGC, Vedanta, GAIL, BPCL, and NRL-OIL. A dedicated Assam Pavilion with 10,000 sq ft space is being built that will showcase modernity with tradition, highlighting ODOP products, exquisite fragrances, GI-tagged specialities, and Assam’s thriving industrial infrastructure. Laghu Udyog Bharti is a key partner in this initiative.
So far, seven partner countries have confirmed their participation in the summit: Bhutan, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. Global industry leaders and top executives from renowned multinational corporations have confirmed their participation in the Summit. The event will include CEOs, CXOs, and senior management from sectors such as infrastructure, energy, IT, manufacturing, logistics, and others.
