Guwahati, June 9 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the state is well-positioned to play a key role in strengthening India-European Union (EU) linkages, citing its growing economic potential, strategic location and improving connectivity.

Taking to X, Sarma said he extended a warm welcome to the European Union delegation visiting Guwahati, led by EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin.

“Extended a warm welcome to the EU delegation to Guwahati led by Ambassador Herve Delphin. We exchanged notes on the advantages Assam can offer in strengthening Indo-EU linkages under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the Chief Minister said.

The visit comes at a time when Assam is actively seeking greater international engagement and foreign investments through its flagship Advantage Assam initiative. The state government has been projecting Assam as a major investment destination in eastern India, leveraging its strategic position as the gateway to the Northeast and Southeast Asia.

Officials have repeatedly highlighted the state’s expanding infrastructure, robust road, rail and air connectivity, abundant natural resources, and growing industrial ecosystem as key factors attracting investors.

The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit, held last year in Guwahati, drew participation from domestic and international investors, policymakers and industry leaders. During the summit, the state government showcased opportunities across sectors such as renewable energy, hydrocarbons, logistics, tourism, agriculture and food processing, information technology, healthcare and manufacturing.

Assam’s proximity to neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh and Bhutan, along with its access to international trade routes through multimodal connectivity projects, has also enhanced its importance in India’s Act East policy framework.

The state government has undertaken several measures to improve the ease of doing business, including digitisation of services, policy reforms and infrastructure expansion. These initiatives, officials say, are aimed at making Assam a preferred destination for both domestic and foreign investors.

The interaction between the EU delegation and the Assam government is expected to further explore avenues for cooperation in trade, sustainable development, green technologies, innovation and investment.

The European Union remains one of India’s largest trading partners, and Assam hopes to leverage its emerging economic strengths to deepen engagement with European businesses and institutions.

–IANS

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