Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed a high-level European Union (EU) delegation to Guwahati and held a series of discussions aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, trade partnerships and strategic linkages between India and Europe.
The delegation, led by European Union Ambassador to India Herve Delphin, is visiting Assam under the “Team Europe” initiative to explore opportunities for collaboration across a range of sectors critical to sustainable economic growth and investment.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted Assam’s growing role as an investment destination and discussed how the state can contribute to deepening India-European Union partnerships under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We exchanged views on the advantages Assam can offer in strengthening Indo-EU linkages and expanding cooperation in key sectors,” the Chief Minister said.
The discussions focused on sectors such as renewable and green energy, sustainable urban infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and electronics manufacturing, tea and agri-food processing, flavours and fragrances, and AYUSH.
A major highlight of the visit was the Blue Valley Cluster Exhibition held at Hotel Radisson Blu, Guwahati. The exhibition, organised as part of the Blue Valley Cluster initiative, aims to build stronger business ecosystems and value chains between India and Europe.
The exhibition showcased a diverse range of products, including agricultural produce, handloom and handicraft items, with participation from both local and international exhibitors. The initiative seeks to create new market opportunities for producers, entrepreneurs and businesses while fostering cross-border trade and innovation.
Chief Minister Sarma also held a productive interaction with the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI), which is accompanying the EU delegation during its Assam visit.
FEBI represents more than 250 European companies operating in India, covering over 6,000 businesses across multiple sectors. During the discussions, the Chief Minister emphasized Assam’s willingness to engage with European enterprises to create employment opportunities and strengthen entrepreneurship among the state’s youth, farmers and women entrepreneurs.
He highlighted Assam’s skilled workforce, improving infrastructure and customized investment incentives, stating that the state is well-positioned to support enterprises in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and agri-processing.
During their stay, members of the EU delegation are also expected to meet government officials, industry representatives and business leaders to identify investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between Europe, Assam and the wider Northeast region.
The visit is expected to further advance collaboration under the India-EU partnership framework while showcasing Assam as a gateway to Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Officials believe the engagement could pave the way for increased investment, technology transfer, business partnerships and sustainable development initiatives in the region.