Guwahati – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stressed the urgent need for lifting travel advisories to unlock the state’s full potential for foreign investment.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit, Sarma underscored that the removal of these restrictions is crucial for international business engagement and tourism growth.
“Without the withdrawal of the travel advisory, foreign investment is not possible. If someone cannot visit the state freely, how can they invest here?” Sarma remarked, highlighting that diplomatic efforts are already underway. He credited External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s intervention and his own direct outreach, noting that Japan and Australia have started taking steps to reconsider their advisories. A Japanese delegation is already in Assam, and an Australian team is expected to visit soon for discussions with local police and community leaders.
Sarma explained that foreign embassies conduct thorough consultations beyond government channels, seeking insights from journalists, academicians, and other stakeholders before revising travel restrictions. Their collective feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping diplomatic decisions.
Expressing optimism, the Chief Minister stated that Assam expects a surge in inquiries from foreign embassies within the next three months as the government intensifies its push to lift advisories. He lamented the adverse impact on tourism, pointing out that despite Assam’s rich wildlife and natural beauty, Kaziranga National Park fails to attract its fair share of foreign tourists.
“In today’s time, Kaziranga should be welcoming at least 50,000 foreign tourists annually. Assam has more wildlife than Gujarat, yet Gujarat sees higher footfall because it does not face such travel restrictions,” he observed. He emphasized that lifting the travel advisory is the first and most essential step in attracting foreign capital and positioning Assam as a global investment hub.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit serves as a strategic platform to showcase the state’s economic potential, drawing both domestic and international investors. Sarma’s remarks reinforce Assam’s proactive approach to strengthening its global appeal, ensuring a more investor-friendly and tourism-ready environment in the near future.
Read More: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Stresses Assam’s Independent Investment Strategy Ahead of Advantage Assam 2.0