CII to support Assam govt on attracting investments

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will partner the Assam government "for overall economic development of the state and to facilitate policies that will attract investments and improve environment for doing business."

S. Gopalakrishnan, president of CII and also co-founder and executive vice chairman of Infosys Limited, met Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, local industry leaders, IT entrepreneurs on Tuesday and Wednesday to constitute a 'joint task force' to work on a '5 point agenda' for "development" of the state.

The '5 point agenda' includes skill development, enhancing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), competitiveness in the state through capacity building, boosting food processing, health initiatives and supporting IT infrastructure. To enhance the competitiveness of the MSME sector in Assam, CII through its 'Centre of Excellence for Competitiveness', has decided to work with the state government of Assam for cluster development programs.

"The region is at a threshold of an exciting transition, we can seize this opportunity for prosperity and development," said Gopalakrishnan while speaking to journalists.

On skill development, Gopalakrishnan said CII would continue its focus on capacity building; skill based training programs and employability. In 2013-14 CII will set up four skill hubs across India including one in Assam at Digboi. The focus will be skill development on individual and institutional basis.

To support healthcare, CII will partner the Assam government in setting up super speciality hospitals in the region.