Assam for opening consulates of 10 ASEAN countries

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said the state government is in touch with the Centre for opening consulates of 10 ASEAN countries here to facilitate connectivity with those countries from the city.
"The foreign consulates in Guwahati would augur well in spearheading a new paradigm of development in the North East region in view of the 'Act East' policy of the Centre," he said at an interactive programme of industrialists of the state and other parts of the country.
A good network of connectivity between Assam and other ASEAN countries would open up new doors of business between south east Asian nations and the north east, he said.

The Act East Policy has given an impetus to development of the north east, and the Assam government is striving for rapid industrialisation and good air connectivity coupled with roadways and waterways to make Guwahati a business hub, the chief minister said.
The proposed global investors summit titled 'Advantage Assam - India's Expressway to ASEAN' has been envisaged to promote investment in potential sectors in the state, officials said.
Sonowal said the Assam government has vowed to restore business confidence and revive the investment cycle in the state, and seeks the support of investors, entrepreneurs and industry players to make the summit a success.

Our states core strength lies in its vast natural resources, human resources and geographical location. We have potentialities, prosperities and possibilities and with a healthy industrial environment and conducive investment ecosystem, Assam is poised to embark on an industrial revolution," he said at the interaction.
Assam can be a natural choice for investors as "it is from here that South East Asia begins ... Located in between the Indian mainland and the huge markets of South East Asia, Assam is well poised to be a launching pad of investors to capture the South East Asian markets," he added.
Twin towers will be built here to provide space to the business houses, Sonowal said and called upon industrialists and investors to act as bridges with foreign investors to facilitate investment in the state.