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Assam's VIP Investor Approach Fuels Northeast's Rise as India's Growth Engine

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, positioned the Northeast as India's new growth engine driven by targeted policy and central support. He highlighted the region's rapid infrastructure growth, evidenced by a nearly 20% annual increase in cement consumption, and Assam's transition to a power-surplus state. Sarma detailed ongoing exploration for rare earth materials and the unlocking of hydrocarbon potential in Arunachal Pradesh. He urged industries to view the Northeast not as peripheral but as a frontier of opportunity, underpinned by improved infrastructure and vast natural resources.

Key Points: Assam CM: NE is India's New Growth Engine, Every Investor a VIP

  • Northeast emerging as economic dynamism zone
  • Assam treats all investors as VIPs
  • Cement consumption growing at 20% annually
  • State now power-surplus, aiding industry
  • Rare earth exploration underway at multiple sites
2 min read

NE emerging as new growth engine, Assam treats every investor as VIP: CM Sarma

Assam CM Himanta Sarma at Davos says Northeast is a new economic frontier with 20% cement growth, power surplus, and rare earth exploration.

"Assam follows a focused and inclusive investment approach where every investor is treated as a 'VIP investor' - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Davos, Jan 22

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the growing economic importance of the Northeastern region, asserting that Assam follows a focused and inclusive investment approach where every investor is treated as a "VIP investor," irrespective of the scale of proposals.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting at Davos on Thursday, Sarma said Assam may not be a large state or command thousands of investment proposals, but it compensates through personalised engagement and sustained policy support.

He underlined that India's growth story must be viewed through its regional strengths, with the Northeast increasingly emerging as a zone of economic dynamism.

The Chief Minister noted that India comprises multiple regions with distinct potentials, and the Northeast is now witnessing a transformation driven by targeted interventions and backing from the Central Government.

According to him, long-standing bottlenecks in the region are being addressed, allowing its inherent strengths to come to the fore.

Citing key indicators, Sarma said cement consumption in the Northeastern region has been growing at nearly 20 per cent annually, signalling rapid expansion in infrastructure and construction activity.

He also pointed out that India's largest untapped hydrocarbon potential is currently being unlocked in Arunachal Pradesh, while Assam is positioning itself as an important contributor to the country's emerging semiconductor ecosystem.

Highlighting another major shift, Sarma said Assam has transitioned into a power-surplus state, significantly enhancing its appeal for industrial investment. Improved energy availability, he added, has become a critical enabler for manufacturing and large-scale economic activity.

The Chief Minister further revealed that extensive geological exploration is underway in the Northeast, with G2 and G3 level surveys being conducted at five to six locations to assess rare earth material reserves. He said the findings could pave the way for strategic and industrial development of national importance.

Emphasising the need for a change in perception, Sarma said industries must view the Northeast not as a peripheral region but as a new frontier of opportunity.

With improving infrastructure, energy security and vast natural resources, he said Assam and the wider Northeastern region are well positioned to play a pivotal role in India's future economic growth.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Treating every investor as a VIP is the right attitude. Big companies often get all the red carpet, but small and medium businesses are the real job creators. Hope this translates to easier clearances and less bureaucracy on the ground. The potential in rare earth materials is exciting for India's tech independence.
R
Rohit P
Good to hear positive news from Davos. But I'll believe it when I see these investments actually materialize and create sustainable industries, not just announcements. The region needs stability and continuous policy support, not just during election cycles. Fingers crossed this isn't just talk.
M
Meera T
As someone from Guwahati, I can see the change. New roads, better electricity, and more construction activity. The 'Act East' policy seems to be working. Unlocking hydrocarbon in Arunachal and focusing on semiconductors could be a game-changer. Hope the growth is inclusive and benefits all communities.
D
David E
Interesting read. The strategic shift in viewing the Northeast as an economic frontier rather than a periphery is crucial for India's overall growth. The rare earth exploration is particularly significant globally. If managed well with environmental care, this region could contribute massively to the national GDP.
S
Sneha F
Power-surplus is a big deal! Many states struggle with this. This will attract manufacturing units for sure. But development must also protect the incredible biodiversity of the region. Balance is key. Let's build industries, but not at the cost of our environment and unique culture. 🙏

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