Assam Chief Minister Meets Bhutan Prime Minister Prior to Investor Summit
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Guwahati, Dec 16 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering came together on Monday for a meeting in Thimphu regarding the impending investor summit ‘Advantage Assam’.
During his keynote address, Sarma elaborated on how Assam is enhancing its infrastructure and creating fresh avenues for trade and investment collaborations. The summit aims to highlight Assam's efforts in driving growth across various sectors to become a pivotal contributor to the Act East Policy.
With reference to Bhutan’s 117th National Day on December 17, the Chief Minister expressed his honor in being invited to the celebrations.
Sarma emphasized the lasting connection between Assam and Bhutan, a relationship built over centuries through cultural, historical, and economic exchanges. The age-old trade routes that linked the two regions not only facilitated the movement of goods like tea, silk, and other products but also served as vital channels for fostering mutual understanding and interdependence.
“The visit of His Majesty to Assam in November last year further reinforced this connection, motivating both Assam and Bhutan to pursue innovative ideas and initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation in several critical areas for collective growth and prosperity,” Sarma mentioned, adding that he is pleased to announce that Assam will be hosting an Investment and Infrastructure Summit on the 25th and 26th of February in Guwahati.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay for his esteemed presence at the previous edition of Advantage Assam. He extended a heartfelt invitation to the Prime Minister of Bhutan to attend this Summit and the accompanying Mega Cultural Event, which would further solidify their shared vision for regional prosperity.
Highlighting potential collaboration areas, Sarma noted that energy cooperation is critical, considering Bhutan’s exemplary hydropower partnership with India—Assam stands to gain significantly from this initiative, contributing to the collective aim of promoting renewable energy and economic advancement.
In the realm of Tourism and Cultural Exchange, Assam and Bhutan together create a rich tapestry of natural and cultural marvels. Collaborative tourism circuits that connect Bhutan’s picturesque landscapes with Assam’s iconic sites, such as Kaziranga and Manas National Park, as well as Majuli, will enhance eco-tourism and foster conservation efforts. Joint activities in wildlife tourism and preservation in border regions will further strengthen this partnership.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that in Education and Skill Development, Assam’s educational institutions welcome Bhutanese students, offering a reservation of 5 seats in government medical colleges. Assam provides specialized programs for Bhutanese students in Auxiliary Nursing training. These initiatives will equip Bhutanese youth with world-class skills and knowledge.
Sarma highlighted that the growing ethanol and agro-industrial sectors in Assam offer opportunities for Bhutan’s agricultural products, such as maize and bamboo.
