A high-level delegation from Assam, led by Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah, arrived in the UAE for a four-day visit to showcase the state’s investment potential ahead of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit scheduled for February 25-26, 2025, in Guwahati.
“Assam stands at the cusp of unprecedented growth, offering unique opportunities across sectors from traditional industries to cutting-edge technology,” Minister Borah said during the Advantage Assam: Dubai Investor Meet today in Dubai. “We are actively seeking UAE private sector investment, particularly in infrastructure projects that promise to transform Assam’s economic landscape while offering profitable opportunities for investors.”
Minister Borah highlighted Assam’s natural advantages, including seven national parks, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and its position as a major contributor to India’s energy resources, accounting for 50% of onshore natural gas production. The state is also known for producing 97% of India’s agarwood, a crucial ingredient in premium fragrances.
The state’s ambitious vision was further detailed by Special Secretary Syedain Abbasi, who revealed that Assam’s current GDP of $69 billion is targeted to double by 2030, building on a consistent growth rate of 12.6% over the past decade. “Infrastructure development is progressing at an unprecedented pace, with significant projects worth $12 billion currently underway, including four new bridges across the Brahmaputra River,” Abbasi stated.
A major highlight of Assam’s industrial push is the upcoming Tata Electronics’ $3 billion semiconductor assembly and testing unit at Jogighopa, alongside the development of an electronics city to house downstream industries. The state is also establishing India’s first international multimodal logistics park, leveraging its strategic position as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
Indian Consul General to Dubai and Northern Emirates Satish Kumar Sivan emphasized the timing of the delegation’s visit, noting that India-UAE bilateral trade is expected to reach an all-time high this financial year. “With cumulative UAE investments in India at approximately $18 billion and the recent implementation of an updated Bilateral Investment Treaty, the framework for enhanced investment flows is stronger than ever,” Sivan explained.
The delegation also conducted field visits to major UAE-based business hubs including DP World, Bharat Mart, Transworld, and Meydan Free Zone. The state is particularly focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, with plans for a 1,000 MW solar park supported by the Asian Development Bank, and expanding its healthcare network with 20 medical colleges.
The delegation’s visit, continuing until January 16, marks a significant step in Assam’s outreach to international investors, with the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit expected to catalyze the next phase of the state’s economic transformation.