Guwahati: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday made a fervent call to the NRIs around the globe to join in hands with the Government of Assam for the growth of the State, stating that the entire North East can become the new growth engines of not only of the country but for the whole of Asia.
While opening the Chief Ministers’ Session at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Bengaluru, Sonowal said the future growth of India can come through its North East and by Acting Eastwards to Southeast Asia and East Asia through its North East Region.
Stating that Assam is going through massive transformation in every sector from infrastructure to reforms, land policy, investment, good governance, connectivity, social security and welfare, the chief minister informed that the Government would soon set up an Act East Department to explore the vast opportunities lying across the border in the international neighbourhood, and strengthen business, communication, investment, and cultural relations focused on a definite timeframe implementation.
Speaking about Assam’s unique locational advantage in the age of regional economic cooperation, Sonowal said the State is the gateway to the vibrant economies of the South East Asian countries.
Sonowal also pointed out that in terms of connectivity, industrial infrastructure, natural resources and policy initiatives, Assam has a very promising and investors-friendly environment.
“Assam became the first state to ratify the GST. Our Government was amongst the first Governments to pass the Ease of Doing Business Act in its first Assembly Session. Single window clearance system has been setup for providing online clearance and permission in fixed time frame,” the chief minister stated.
The chief minister also highlighted the rich heritage of crude oil production and tea industry of the State and informed the NRIs that the Government proposes to develop Guwahati as a business hub.
He also spoke about the unique incentives offered to business houses for setting up industries in the state and informed that the incentives includes Central Excise and Income Tax exemption for a period of 10 years, 30 per cent Capital Investment subsidy, 100 per cent Insurance Subsidy and Interest Subsidy on Term Loan.
Highlighting the unique climatic condition of the region which supports exceptional array of flora and fauna, the he said the Government proposes to develop Assam as an Organic Hub.
The chief minister also proposed to hold a Global Business Summit at Guwahati in the month of November, 2017 and invited the diaspora who have rich experience of new technologies, systems, knowledge and work culture at the global level with a deep understanding of local issues. Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Karnataka and Puducherry also spoke on the occasion.
The Union Minister of State, External Affairs, M J Akbar, was also present in the Chief Ministers’ Session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. (UNI)
