Assam can strengthen India-EU ties through trade, connectivity: Himanta
Guwahati, June 9
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the state is well-positioned to play a key role in strengthening India-European Union linkages, citing its growing economic potential, strategic location and improving connectivity.
Taking to X, Sarma said he extended a warm welcome to the European Union delegation visiting Guwahati, led by EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin.
"Extended a warm welcome to the EU delegation to Guwahati led by Ambassador Herve Delphin. We exchanged notes on the advantages Assam can offer in strengthening Indo-EU linkages under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Chief Minister said.
The visit comes at a time when Assam is actively seeking greater international engagement and foreign investments through its flagship Advantage Assam initiative. The state government has been projecting Assam as a major investment destination in eastern India, leveraging its strategic position as the gateway to the Northeast and Southeast Asia.
Officials have repeatedly highlighted the state's expanding infrastructure, robust road, rail and air connectivity, abundant natural resources, and growing industrial ecosystem as key factors attracting investors.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, held last year in Guwahati, drew participation from domestic and international investors, policymakers and industry leaders. During the summit, the state government showcased opportunities across sectors such as renewable energy, hydrocarbons, logistics, tourism, agriculture and food processing, information technology, healthcare and manufacturing.
Assam's proximity to neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh and Bhutan, along with its access to international trade routes through multimodal connectivity projects, has also enhanced its importance in India's Act East policy framework.
The state government has undertaken several measures to improve the ease of doing business, including digitisation of services, policy reforms and infrastructure expansion. These initiatives, officials say, are aimed at making Assam a preferred destination for both domestic and foreign investors.
The interaction between the EU delegation and the Assam government is expected to further explore avenues for cooperation in trade, sustainable development, green technologies, innovation and investment.
The European Union remains one of India's largest trading partners, and Assam hopes to leverage its emerging economic strengths to deepen engagement with European businesses and institutions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the global vision, Assam needs to focus on basic infrastructure first—flood control, healthcare, quality education. What's the use of EU investment if our villages still lack power and roads? Hope the benefits trickle down.
As an EU citizen who visited Guwahati last year, I was impressed by the city's energy. The Brahmaputra riverfront, temples, and biodiversity are untapped. I hope connectivity projects also highlight eco-tourism. Assam-India collaboration can be win-win!
Advantage Assam 2.0 was a good step, but how many MoUs actually got converted? We need transparency in land acquisition and faster clearances. EU companies won't come without rule of law. Let's see concrete results, not just photo ops.
This is the way forward! Assam can be the hub for green energy—solar, bamboo-based biomass, and hydro. EU is big on sustainability. With Act East policy, we can export to Bangladesh, Myanmar, and even Europe via Chabahar corridor. Smart move.
Finally, our state is getting the attention it deserves! Growing up in Assam, I saw how infrastructure lagged. Now with better roads, railway connections, and the new airport terminal, we're ready. EU should invest in food processing—our pineapple and jackfruit are world-class.
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