Guwahati: Assam is participating in the 42nd India International Trade Fair 2023 with an “aim to increase the visibility of investment opportunities in the state and attract more industries in the next 5-6 months”, the state government said in a release on Tuesday.
The trade fair, being held at the Pragati Maidan, saw the inauguration of the Assam pavilion by Ravi Kota, the additional secretary of the industries and commerce. Assam’s pavilion showcases the state’s rich heritage, resources, and initiatives such as ‘One District One Product’, geographical indication (GI) products, traditional garments, ‘ease of doing business’, and ‘Assam Start Up.’ A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Assam has several such unique products which include the muga silk, joha rice, kaji nemu, and Tezpur litchi.
“[The pavilion] also highlights unique efforts initiated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, such as the largest Bihu performance and ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’ said the state government in a release, adding that it commemorates 200 “glorious years” of Assam’s renowned tea and showcases live demonstrations of silk (muga) weaving and water hyacinth products.
The state pavilion, spread over 549 square meters, houses 32 MSME units and 5 government departments and PSUs. Minister for industries and commerce Bimal Borah has been closely monitoring the event.
According to the state government, Assam’s Industrial and Investment Policy (Amendment) 2023 has attracted investments worth over Rs.100 crore, with 14 MoUs signed to create more than 11,000 jobs.
“The theme of this year's India International Trade Fair, 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: United by trade,' reflects the essence of Assam as a land blessed with rich historical trades, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic identities,” stated an Assam government release. It further added that the theme highlights “the state's persistent efforts towards e-governance and investor-friendly initiatives to meet global standards.”
The Trade Fair, which will continue till November 27, will celebrate ‘Assam Day’ on November 22 to showcase the state's rich cultural heritage. According to officials, Assam is represented at the IITF by the Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprise department as the nodal department, with the pavilion team led by Santanu Deuri, joint director of the commissionerate of Industries and Commerce.
ALSO READ: One-day workshop held at Dimapur
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
