Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has encouraged industry leaders, startups, and investors to engage in Assam’s development, citing the blend of policy innovation, enhanced connectivity, and effective governance as the pillars for sustained regional progress.
Sonowal emphasized Assam’s strategic position to become a key growth center under India’s Act East Policy, urging entrepreneurs to capitalize on the state’s geographical advantages, connectivity infrastructure, and governance enhancements to foster comprehensive growth in the Northeast and facilitate progress towards Viksit Bharat.
Speaking at the second Guwahati Dialogue, Sonowal highlighted Assam’s potential to cater to a vast market of around 800 million individuals spanning from Nepal to Myanmar, as India strengthens economic ties and logistical connectivity with Southeast Asia.
The minister underscored the significant developments witnessed in the country over the past 11 years, attributing them to structural reforms, innovation, and citizen-centric governance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sonowal praised PM Modi’s consistent engagement with the Northeast region, noting his frequent visits that have surpassed 70, which have reinforced a sense of national unity and collective responsibility in the nation-building process under the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
Highlighting the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ mandate, Sonowal emphasized the importance of pollution-free inland waterways for environmental sustainability and economic efficacy, stating that these water routes are not merely transportation channels but a way of life.
