Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has requested Union Minister of MSME Narayan Rane to come up with a new industrial policy for the Northeastern part of the country, in line with the one made for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Sarma, in presence of Rane, inaugurated the Opening Ceremony of the four-day long 7th India Industrial Fair, titled UDYAM 2022, at Veterinary College Field, Khanapara,.

The CM lauded the efforts of Laghu Udyog Bharti for taking initiatives for organising events like this, saying such platforms would help the new crop of entrepreneurs in the sector by motivating them to go ahead with greater zeal, witnessing the enthusiasm among prospective buyers for new and innovative products in the market.

“Start-ups will get new direction through initiatives like this (UDYAM 2022). Platforms such as this by connecting the producers with the prospective buyers would act as a potent driver for growth in the MSME world,” the Chief Minister said, adding, “For the MSME sector to reach its full potential, it is the need of the hour that fearless entrepreneurs not averse to risk-taking take the lead in helping it (the sector) reach newer heights.”

Sarma pointed out that the MSME sector contributes to 29% of the State GDP, and appealed to the major players in the industry to look at Assam as their most-favoured investment destination considering the peace and security under the present dispensation.

Sarma also stated that the state government has lined up a host of initiatives, such as auto-renewal of expired business licenses, etc, aimed at an overhaul of the industrial environment in the state. This, he added, would go a long way in achieving the Prime Minister’s dream project – the Act East Policy – aimed at connecting the economy of Northeast India with that of the South-East Asian nations. “The connecting of the economy and businesses of the region with that of South-East Asia would not only provide our entrepreneurs the huge market that region would offer but would also provide an avenue to our youths for self-employment by being a part of that trade link-up,” Sarma.

The Chief Minister also appealed to Union Minister of MSME Narayan Rane, who was present in the occasion, to come up with a new industrial policy for the North-eastern part of the country, in line with the one that was enacted for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, so that investors look favourably at the region for their precious investments.

Sarma also spoke about the steps being taken by the government to modernise and improve the roadways, river ways as well as the logistic infrastructure of the state, which he stated, should be seen as a commitment of the current dispensation towards the investors who have already invested or are looking forward to invest in the state.