FICCI sees Assam as India’s next growth engine
The FICCI Northeast Advisory Council congratulated Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on taking oath as Assam’s Chief Minister for a second consecutive term, praising his leadership for driving major progress in infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, tourism, industrialisation and investment over the past five years.
FICCI Northeast Advisory Council Chairman Ranjit Barthakur said that in 2021, FICCI had proposed a development roadmap based on the “3Cs” Covid Management, Connectivity and Conservation and noted that Assam has made significant achievements in all three sectors under Dr. Sarma’s leadership.
Looking ahead, Barthakur proposed a new “5Is” framework for Assam’s next growth phase: Industry & Infrastructure; Inclusive Income & Entrepreneurship; Innovation, Intellectual Capital & Conservation; Internal Security; and Inland Water Mobilisation.
He said these five pillars could help transform Assam into one of India’s most dynamic economic regions and support its ambition of becoming a $143 billion economy by 2030.
Barthakur highlighted Assam’s rapid economic rise, noting that the state economy has nearly doubled from ₹2.75 lakh crore in 2018 to around ₹6 lakh crore today. Major infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, airports and the Tata Semiconductor project at Jagiroad, have significantly improved Assam’s investment profile.
He emphasized the need to strengthen entrepreneurship, MSMEs, agro-processing, tourism, bamboo industries and rural enterprises to create sustainable livelihoods and broad-based prosperity.
On innovation, Barthakur stressed investment in education, research, startups and conservation-led growth to build Assam’s long-term competitiveness, while improved law and order has further strengthened investor confidence.
He also identified Assam’s river systems, particularly the Brahmaputra and Barak, as strategic assets for inland waterways, multimodal logistics and regional trade connectivity with Bangladesh and Southeast Asia.
FICCI Assam State Council Chairman Ghanshyam Dhanuka said Assam’s first term under Dr. Sarma brought renewed investor confidence through policy reforms, connectivity expansion and industrial growth. He expressed optimism that the second term would accelerate employment generation, private investment, industrial infrastructure and Assam’s emergence as Northeast India’s economic hub.
FICCI reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Assam Government in supporting rapid economic growth, entrepreneurship and inclusive development.
