Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday addressed over 160 Japanese business leaders in Tokyo, urging them to explore investment opportunities in the state.
The meeting marked the commencement of the second leg of his global outreach initiative for the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit.
During the Tokyo roadshow, Sarma highlighted Assam’s robust economy, growing infrastructure, and investment-friendly policies.
"Since 2014, Assam's economy has been on a robust growth trajectory, with the state's GDP surging from USD 29 billion in 2013-14 to USD 68.7 billion in 2023-24, reflecting an annual growth rate of 12.4 per cent," he said.
Sarma showcased Assam’s single-window mechanism and the USD 3.2 billion production-linked incentives, calling the state a "preferred destination for investment".
He also positioned Assam as a gateway for economic ties between India and Japan, terming the latter as a “natural partner in Assam's efforts for growth and development.”
Earlier, the Chief Minister met Kazuya Nakajo, executive vice-president of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
Their discussions centred on strengthening trade relations and exploring collaboration in commerce, industry, and renewable energy.
Sarma also met Japan's State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, Koga Yuichiro, proposing the establishment of a dedicated business park for Japanese firms in Assam.
The Chief Minister further urged the Japanese minister to consider setting up testing centres for technical intern training and specified skill workers' programmes to enable Assamese youth to access short-term work opportunities in Japan.
Meetings with industry leaders followed, where Sarma presented Assam’s potential in renewable energy and semiconductors.
Discussions with Hirohide Hirai, Vice-President of Hitachi, focused on green energy initiatives, while a meeting with Charles Kawashima, Vice-President of Renesas Global, explored collaboration in semiconductor growth.
Sarma also invited Japanese industrialists, including Tokyo Engineering Corporation's CEO, to the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, stressing the state’s commitment to facilitating Japanese investments.
Before starting his engagements in Tokyo, the Chief Minister paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Edogawa and was warmly welcomed by the Assamese diaspora in the city.
The visit to Japan follows Sarma's outreach to South Korean businesses as part of the state’s broader initiative to attract global investments.
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