At the two-day Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, the Australian High Commissioner to India said his country was exploring potential investment in the northeastern state.
Australia, a Country Partner at Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, has shown interest for investments in sectors like water, education, agriculture, and disaster preparedness in Assam, lying in the northeastern part of India.
Identifying Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma as a friend of Australia, Philip Green OAM, the High Commissioner of Australia to India wrote a post on X on February 25, saying, “I am here at Advantage Assam 2.0 to explore all that we can do together in sectors like water, education, disaster preparedness and agriculture.”
With an aim to attract investments and boost economic development in Assam, Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit was held from February 24 to 25. Participated by business leaders, envoys and representatives of several countries, the event served as a platform for business and investors to explore opportunities in Assam’s rapidly growing industrial and infrastructure sectors.
Earlier, the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit was addressed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said Advantage Assam “is a mega initiative to intertwine the incredible potential and progress of Assam with the world.”
Highlighting the growing global trust in India, as witnessed by the gathering in Assam, the Prime Minister said, “Assam's contribution to India's growth is steadily increasing.”
He noted that the first edition of the Advantage Assam Summit was held in 2018, at which time Assam's economy was valued at ₹2.75 lakh crore.
Today, Assam has become a state with an economy of approximately ₹6 lakh crore, he added, emphasizing that under their government, Assam's economy has doubled in just six years.
The numerous investments in Assam have turned it into a state of unlimited possibilities, he stated. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Assam government is focusing on education, skill development, and creating a better investment environment.
In his speech at the event in Guwahati, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar highlighted Assam and Northeast region's steady improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, and skills development over the last decade, making it more attractive for business and creating mutually advantageous opportunities.
He emphasized that Assam and the Northeast are positioned as a crucial hub, connecting India with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, ASEAN countries, and beyond. This strategic location strengthens the region's potential for greater economic and geopolitical relevance as India continues to move forward in its Act East strategy, the EAM said.