Assam likely to surpass Punjab as 16th largest state in terms of GSDP in 2 years: CM Sarma

Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 12 : Assam is likely to surpass Punjab as the 16th largest State in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in two years, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday. 

Sarma addressed the delegates to the National Executive Committee Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FICCI) being held for the first time in Assam since the establishment of the industry body in 1927.

Addressing the interactive session held at Hotel Radisson Blu in Guwahati, Chief Minister, expressing his gratitude towards FICCI for choosing Guwahati as the location for its National Executive Committee Meeting, exuded confidence it would aid in the upward economic growth trajectory that the State has been following for the past few years.

Holding of events such as this would go a long way in realizing the grand vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the State and the rest of the Northeast, the Chief Minister stated.

FICCI choosing Guwahati as the location to hold its Executive Committee Meeting is also an indication that the largest city in the Northeast is now the fulcrum of growth in the region.

Referring to turmoil, strife, and instability as things of the past, Chief Minister Sarma said Assam has been witnessing a never-before-seen spell of peace, progress and prosperity on all fronts since 2014.

Statistics prove that Assam has been making rapid strides on all fronts, the Chief Minister said, adding that within a period of two years, Assam is likely to surpass Punjab as the 16th largest State in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). There has been a considerable increase in the State's public and capital expenditures, he stated. The State's tourism sector has also witnessed unprecedented levels of growth in the past couple of years, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister said such trends indicate that Assam would definitely register its name as one of the top-15 States on all fronts in the near future.

Speaking about the initiatives the Government of Assam has been taking to create an industry-friendly ecosystem in the State, the Chief Minister said work is underway to bring in a customised industrial policy that would take into consideration specific needs and requirements of industries on a case-by-case basis that would be a departure from the current policy of one-size-fits-all.

Chief Minister Sarma also spoke about the government's actions aimed at bringing transparency in the governance process, adding that these actions have also benefitted the industrial sector too.

The Chief Minister expressed hopes that leading industrialists and industrial houses of the country would make the best use of the opportunities a new and resurgent Assam is offering.

FICCI President Subhrakant Panda, Vice President Harsh V Agarwal, Secretary General Shailesh Pathak and FICCI Northeast Advisory Council Chairman Ranjit Borthakur were also present.