Withdrawal of travel advisory first step towards inviting foreign investment: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has emphasized the critical role of lifting travel advisories in attracting foreign investment to the state. 

Speaking to the media ahead of the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit, the Chief Minister underscored that the removal of these advisories is the top priority for facilitating international business engagement.

"Without the withdrawal of the travel advisory, foreign investment is not possible. If someone cannot visit the state freely, how can they invest here? Through the initiatives of External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and my personal interactions, the High Commissions of Japan and Australia have already taken steps. A Japanese delegation is currently in Assam, and an Australian team will be arriving in the coming days to interact with our police and local communities," said Sarma.

Highlighting the complexities involved in the process, he noted that foreign embassies conduct extensive consultations beyond government circles, engaging with journalists, academicians, and other stakeholders. Their collective feedback plays a crucial role in shaping diplomatic decisions regarding travel advisories.

Also Read: Himanta Biswa Sarma: Other Northeastern states' outcomes to not influence Assam

Sarma expressed confidence that within the next three months, there will be a significant number of inquiries from foreign embassies as the Assam government intensifies its efforts to have the travel advisories lifted. He lamented that despite the state's rich wildlife, destinations like Kaziranga National Park fail to attract the expected number of foreign tourists due to these restrictions.

"In today's time, Kaziranga should be welcoming at least 50,000 foreign tourists annually. Assam has more wildlife than Gujarat, yet Gujarat sees higher footfall because it does not face such travel restrictions. This is why the withdrawal of the travel advisory is the first step towards inviting foreign investment," he added.

The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, a key initiative by the state government, aims to position Assam as a major investment destination by showcasing its economic potential to both domestic and international stakeholders. The Chief Minister’s remarks reinforce the state's proactive approach in enhancing its global appeal and creating a more investor-friendly environment.