Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Advantage Assam: Global Investors Summit 2018’ on Saturday, 3 February, in the presence of Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay and delegates from other nations.

The event aims to project Assam’s manufacturing and geostrategic advantages to the business world.

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Speaking at the event, PM Modi praised the tagline of the Summit ‘Advantage Assam: India’s Express way to ASEAN’ and said that the “comprehensive vision” delivers a major message.

“Be it ASEAN or BBN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-Nepal) countries, all of us are primarily agriculture-based economies. The development of farmers can contribute to taking the entire region to greater heights. Thus our government is working to fulfil the aim of doubling the income of the farmers,” the PM said.

Reciting a few lines from Bhupen Hazarika’s song “Agni Jugor Firingoti Moi”, the PM said that his government, too, is committed to building a new Assam and India.

“India’s growth story will pick up more speed when people living in Northeast region will see fast development in a balanced manner,” the PM said.

Congratulating Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for transforming the state into a “business-friendly and development-friendly state in a short time”, the PM pointed out that Assam is ranked first among the northeaster states in the Ease of Doing Business report.

He said that the policies adopted by his government are building stronger ties with the ASEAN nations, which will benefit the Northeast.

At the summit, the PM underlined the steps taken by his government towards the development of the Northeast such as the increased spending on the railways and roadways networks.

“Centre will construct road and national highways in Northeast in next 2-3 years at a cost of 90 crores,” the PM said.

Several Union ministers including Nitin Gadkari, Suresh Prabhu, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Smriti Irani, Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju, are expected to take part in the two-day event summit.

Read More: PM Modi to inaugurate Assam’s first Global Investors Summit today

Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Bangladesh Industry Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon, Myanmar Commerce Minister Than Myint, Lao PDR’s Vice Minister of Information Culture and Tourism Ounethoang Khaophanh are also likely to attend the event.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and business delegations from 16 countries such as the USA, Vietnam, the UAE, the Netherlands, Nepal, Korea, Japan, Israel, Indonesia, Germany, Czech Republic and Canada are expected to attend the two-day event.