CM Dr. Sarma attends Asian confluence River Conclave 2022

May 28: External Affairs Minister Dr. Subramaniam Jaishankar in presence of Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated Asian Confluence River Conclave 2022 (Nadi 3) at a function held here today. Organised by Asian Confluence in association with External Affairs Ministry, Government of India and Act East Policy Affairs Department, the two day conclave has been organised to set an agenda for a collective vision of sub-regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal Region and in South East Asia.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Dr. Sarma expressed his happiness to have attended Nadi 3 and hosted the conclave in Guwahati on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra which he believed would act as natural allies in development and interdependence. He said, “NADI 3 Conclave gives us a remarkable opportunity for a collective vision of our shared prosperity. I am sure the deliberations at this Conclave will promote coordination for revitalizing our riverine connectivity to facilitate faster economic growth in the region”.

The Chief Minister also said that India has always shared ancient civilizational linkages with the countries belonging to East and South East Asia. These links have passed through Assam and Northeast. He also said that the ties between Northeast and ASEAN blocs are historical, cultural, social and economic. Taking this into consideration, Assam and Northeast can be used as a launch pad for intensifying mutual cooperation. He also underscored some vital areas of Assam’s economy where collaboration can be done for shared growth and prosperity.

The Chief Minister said that Assam is the largest economy in the Northeastern region and due to its proximity with rest of India and availability of quality infrastructure; the state offers best opportunities and environment for industrial growth. Presenting a snapshot of the bouquet of potentials available in Assam, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma referred to the promotion of natural farming which is based on production of natural cow based fertilizers and pesticides. This approach is climate friendly and highly sustainable as it eliminates the requirement of chemical fertilizers, State government is working on value chain approach addressing not only the production gaps but also post harvest value addition and nutrition related aspects.

Dr. Sarma also said that Assam’s biggest contribution to the world is tea. Assam produces some of the finest and most expensive teas in the world. The petroleum industry is another sector which is also contributing to the growth of Assam’s economy. Moreover, tourism has come up as a potential economic sector as the state is bestowed with rich cultural and natural heritage which is a home to many diverse ethnic communities offering varied and rich tourism experience.

Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary while speaking on the occasion, said that India’s Northeastern states, and her immediate eastern neighbours, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and China and extended neighbours in the Bay of Bengal, together comprise a geographically compact region connecting South and South East Asia. But what used to be barriers impeding connectivity and human exchange in the past today stand out as windows of opportunity in the current scenario. These windows of opportunities are the rivers as this conclave would essentially draft a future action plan for connectivity and development using the network of rivers.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Abdul Momen, High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong Wie Kuen, Ambassador of Combodia to India Ung Sean also spoke on the occasion. A host of delegates from ASEAN countries and other stake holders were present on the occasion.