Advantage Assam 2.0: A game-changer for investment in Northeast India

Guwahati is set to host one of the significant events this year — the Advantage Assam 2.0 - Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025. Scheduled for February 25-26, 2025, at the Veterinary Field in Khanapara. The summit is aiming at harnessing Assam's tremendous economic potential for its future transformative growth story.

The event promises to be the largest investment promotion initiative ever undertaken by the Government of Assam, and it is poised to attract attention from top international and domestic investors, business leaders, government functionaries. With a focus on showcasing Assam’s diverse economic opportunities, Advantage Assam 2.0 will bring to the forefront the state’s strengths in infrastructure, connectivity, manufacturing, food processing and agriculture and emerging sectors like tourism, IT, healthcare, aerospace and defence, renewable energy, etc.

Assam: A strategic investment hub

Assam’s position in India’s northeastern region makes it a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia. The state’s geo-strategic location offers business opportunities not only to the Indian market but also to ASEAN countries. With its rich history in tea and petroleum, Assam is now diversifying its economic portfolio, with growing opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, tourism, information technology, and electronics manufacturing.

Over the past decade, Assam has experienced robust economic growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.62 per cent. Its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has grown at an impressive 19 per cent over the last fiscal year alone, reflecting a dynamic economy fueled by innovative policies and strong governance under the able and dynamic leadership of the State’s Chief Minister. The state’s economic growth has also been spurred by massive investments in infrastructure and industry, such as Tata's USD 3 billion semiconductor project in Jagiroad, which underscores Assam’s rising stature as an investment destination.

The summit will serve as a platform for both G2B (government-to-business) and B2B (business-to-business) interactions, presenting key sectors ripe for investment. The government’s pro-business stance and its vision for the future make Assam an attractive place to invest, innovate, and grow.

Why Assam?

Assam’s unique blend of natural resources, a skilled workforce, and growing industrial infrastructure makes it a promising choice for investors.

The state is blessed with rich biodiversity, abundant freshwater resources, and significant reserves of natural gas are the key drivers for future growth. Assam also enjoys a robust agricultural sector, being one of the world’s largest producers of tea, silk, and spices. These natural advantages provide a solid foundation for a wide range of manufacturing and processing industries.

The state's well-structured connectivity further enhances its appeal as an investment hub. Assam is well-connected by road, water, rail, and air to key domestic and international markets, facilitating seamless trade and commerce.

Assam has a comprehensive road network comprising 4,077 km of national highways and 4,309 km of state highways. This infrastructure is critical for ensuring seamless transportation of goods and services, both within the state and across India’s northeastern border with countries such as Bhutan and Bangladesh. Assam’s railway network of 2,571 km is playing pivotal role in facilitating freight movement, connecting Assam to key economic centres. With seven operational airports, including the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam has become a key regional air transport hub. The upcoming terminal expansion at Guwahati will further enhance the state's connectivity, attracting more visitors, boosting trade and tourism.

Assam’s renewable energy sector is another key area of focus. With abundant resources for solar, hydropower, and bioenergy, the state has the potential to become a leader in clean energy production. Assam boasts a 14,000 MW power potential across solar, hydropower, and bioenergy. The state is tapping into its hydropower potential with projects such as the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project, which sets to harness 120 MW of power. This emphasis on renewable energy aligns with India’s goal of achieving energy independence by 2047.

Assam’s agriculture is an area of immense growth potential. The state produces over 50 per cent of India’s tea, making it a key player in the global tea market. Assam also has a rich potential for the production of spices, fruits, and vegetables. The state is home to rich biodiversity, including aromatic plants such as lemongrass and citronella, and is poised to become a leader in natural flavours and fragrance industry.

The government’s push for agro-based industries, such as food processing, makes Assam an attractive destination for investment in these sectors. The development of food processing clusters and initiatives like the Mega Food Park Scheme offer significant opportunities for investors in this promising sector.

Assam's tourism sector is on the side of significant growth both in terms of footfall and economy. With its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, flora and fauna, Assam is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The recent report by the New Work Times placed Assam at number 4 among 52 destinations recommended to be visited during the year 2025. The state is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Charaideu Moidams and is a hub for religious tourism with the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Additionally, the state’s natural beauty offers ample opportunities for adventure tourism, including river rafting, trekking, eco-tourism, and tourism in and around tea gardens.

As India’s tourism market is projected to reach USD 125 billion by 2027, Assam is well-positioned to capitalise this growth. The state’s government is keen on developing infrastructure to support this growth, from luxury resorts, hotels to river cruises, tea & golf tourism, MICE tourism, etc.

Assam is also rapidly embracing the digital revolution. With initiatives such as the Assam Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in Jagiroad with TATA group’s sizable investment in the semiconductor project, the state is positioning itself as a leader in electronics manufacturing, particularly consumer electronics. The state’s focus on building IT parks and digital infrastructure will provide investors with ample opportunities in the fast-growing digital economy.