Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay jointly attended a significant business event hosted by the Assam Government, titled 'Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025.'

The event, held at the La Meridian Hotel in Thimphu, marked the beginning of a series of initiatives to bolster regional cooperation and investment, as per an official release.

In his keynote address, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted Assam’s strides in infrastructure development and the growing opportunities for trade and investment partnerships.

He emphasised that the upcoming summit would underscore Assam’s efforts to position itself as a key player in India's Act East Policy by driving growth across various sectors.

“Starting the roadshow in Bhutan is a reflection of the deep bond between Assam and Bhutan—a relationship nurtured over centuries through cultural, historical, and economic exchanges,” said Sarma.

Referring to Bhutan’s 117th National Day on December 17, the Chief Minister expressed his privilege in being invited to celebrate the occasion.

The Chief Minister recounted the shared history of Assam and Bhutan, citing ancient trade routes that connected the two regions and facilitated the exchange of goods such as tea, silk, and other commodities.

He noted that the visit of Bhutan’s Prime Minister to Assam in November last year further reinforced this partnership and inspired new avenues for collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Sarma announced that Assam will host the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit in Guwahati on February 25-26, 2025. The summit, set to be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to catalyse investments and foster partnerships across South Asia.

Extending an invitation to PM Tshering Tobgay, Sarma urged him to attend the summit, alongside a mega cultural event, to further the shared vision for regional prosperity.

The Chief Minister highlighted several areas of potential collaboration between Assam and Bhutan:

• Energy Cooperation: Sarma lauded Bhutan’s exemplary hydropower partnerships with India, noting that Assam could significantly benefit by promoting renewable energy initiatives that contribute to regional growth.
• Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Proposing collaborative tourism circuits, Sarma suggested linking Bhutan’s scenic landscapes with Assam’s iconic destinations, such as Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, as well as Majuli. Joint efforts in eco-tourism, wildlife preservation, and border-area conservation were emphasised.
• Healthcare: Highlighting Assam’s extensive cancer care network, among the largest in South Asia, Sarma invited Bhutanese patients to avail quality medical services in the state.
• Education and Skill Development: Sarma outlined Assam’s support for Bhutanese students, including reserved seats in government medical colleges and specialised training in Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM).
• Agro-industrial Collaboration: The Chief Minister pointed to Assam’s burgeoning ethanol and agro-industrial sectors as opportunities for Bhutanese agricultural exports, particularly maize and bamboo. Bhutanese enterprises were encouraged to explore Assam’s markets in sectors like food and beverages, poultry, and minerals.

Expressing admiration for Bhutan’s visionary leadership and socio-economic reforms, Sarma described them as a beacon for regional progress.

He concluded by inviting Bhutanese leaders, business stakeholders, and visionaries to the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit to explore untapped opportunities for collaboration.

The event was attended by Bhutanese cabinet ministers, India’s Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela, business delegates, and other dignitaries.

The summit is expected to solidify Assam and Bhutan’s partnership, contributing to mutual growth and fostering prosperity in the region.

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