Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has commenced his high-profile Japan roadshow in Tokyo, setting the stage for significant collaborations with top Japanese business leaders and government officials.
Addressing an audience of over 160 Japanese business executives, Sarma highlighted Assam’s remarkable economic progress and ambitious plans for global investment, drawing attention to the state’s rapid transformation into a growth hub.
Sharing insights into Assam’s economic trajectory, Sarma revealed that the state’s economy is poised to triple by the next year, backed by a robust annual growth rate of 12.4%.
The Chief Minister underscored key initiatives such as the $3.2 billion Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the streamlined single-window clearance system, both designed to make Assam a preferred destination for foreign investors.
During his meeting with Koga Yuichiro, Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Sarma proposed the establishment of a dedicated business park for Japanese enterprises in Assam.
This initiative, he emphasized, would simplify operations for Japanese firms while fostering deeper economic ties between the two regions. He also advocated for the creation of testing centres under Japan’s Technical Intern Training and Specified Skill Workers programs, which could pave the way for enhanced employment opportunities for Assam’s youth in Japan.
In another pivotal discussion with Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Vice President of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Sarma sought expertise to further strengthen trade relations. Expressing optimism, the Chief Minister lauded JETRO’s instrumental role in promoting global trade and underscored Assam’s readiness to collaborate on transformative projects that could benefit both economies.
The focus on renewable energy was a recurring theme in Sarma’s meetings. In his dialogue with Hitachi Vice President Hirohide Hirai, he outlined Assam’s ambitious clean energy targets and explored potential collaborations. Sarma highlighted opportunities to attract investments and develop skilled manpower, aligning with the state’s vision of becoming a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
These engagements are part of the larger #AdvantageAssam2 initiative, aimed at elevating Assam’s profile as a global investment destination. Sarma’s strategic outreach in Japan not only emphasizes the state’s economic potential but also its commitment to fostering international partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable development.
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