Strengthening Assam-Japan Relations for a Prosperous Future

Assam Chief Minister's Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s three-day visit to Japan last week marks a significant step in fostering collaboration and shared growth between Assam and Japan. 

The “Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment and Infrastructure Summit”, was the focus of Dr. Sarma’s visit to Japan, aiming to serve as a transformative platform for government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) connections.

During his three-day visit to Japan, Dr. Sarma reached out to industry leaders across various sectors, including automobiles, semiconductors, tourism, and skill development, promoting Assam's safe environment, investor-friendly policies, and customised incentives.

Dr. Sarma met with IKUINA Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. In their discussion, Vice-Minister Ikuina emphasized that India is a key partner in achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and expressed her desire to contribute to strengthening Japan-India relations. She also highlighted Japan’s strong interest in the Indian North Eastern Region, including Assam. Chief Minister Sarma acknowledged Japan as a crucial partner in the development of North Eastern India and expressed his intention to further deepen ties between Japan and Assam.

During his meeting with Japan’s State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Yasushi Furukawa in Tokyo, Dr. Sarma emphasized tourism as a key driver for prosperity and deeper ties. From the historic Charaideo Moidams to the breathtaking Kaziranga National Park, Assam’s lush tea gardens, and world-class golf courses, the state offers untapped potential that can captivate Japanese tourists while opening avenues for economic growth.

Dr. Sarma held an insightful meeting with Japan’s State Minister for Justice, Komura Masahiro today. They discussed the deep-rooted shared values between India and Japan, particularly highlighting how the teachings of Gautam Buddha serve as a spiritual connection between the people of Assam and Japan. During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s plans to establish a dedicated industrial park in Guwahati for Japanese companies, aimed at boosting Assam’s economy and providing opportunities for the state’s youth. The conversation also focused on how Assam’s talented workforce could help meet Japan’s demand for skilled labor, with ongoing programs between the two regions already fostering this exchange.

CM proposes Japanese Industrial Township in Jagiroad during  roadshow

Addressing 160 business leaders at the Embassy of India in Japan, Dr. Sarma proposed the idea of establishing a Japanese industrial township near the upcoming Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor facility by TATA Electronics in Jagiroad. 

"We are excited to propose the creation of a Japanese industrial township near Jagiroad, where TATA Electronics is building its semiconductor facility. This township will serve as a hub of innovation and manufacturing excellence, fueled by the warmth and hospitality of Assam," said Sarma, during Advantage Assam 2.0 roadshow.

The proposed township, he explained, will be designed specifically for Japanese businesses, offering a green-powered environment in line with Assam’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It will also provide the infrastructure necessary to support the growth and innovation of Japanese entrepreneurs.

Sarma emphasized that Assam is eager to welcome more Japanese companies, noting that India is already home to 1,500 Japanese firms. He also pointed out that Assam’s impressive 12.4% growth rate and the $3 billion production-linked incentives scheme are key drivers of the state's economic development.

Addressing Assam’s strategic geographical importance, Sarma remarked, "If Delhi is the capital of India, Assam and the Northeast region are the gateway of India to Southeast Asia and vice versa. This is a crucial position for both regional and international growth."

This visit was more than diplomacy - it was a call to harness Assam’s cultural and natural wealth to build a bridge of shared values, innovation, and industrial progress