Assam’s Chief Minister Courts Japanese Firms for Chip Industry Growth

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on a recent trip to Japan, participated in an insightful interview with the renowned Japanese news organization, Nikkei. Conducted by Shigeru Seno, the interview took place on a Friday, delving into Assam's aspirations to attract Japanese investment in its burgeoning semiconductor sector. The discussion highlighted the state government's strategic vision to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for the semiconductor industry, encompassing fabrication, assembly, and research and development.

During his interview with Nikkei, Sarma articulated Assam's ambition to foster a thriving semiconductor industry by leveraging foreign investment. He emphasized the need to build a robust infrastructure that supports every aspect of semiconductor production.

"Semiconductors need fabs, semiconductors need assembly, and it needs R&D, so we want to develop the entire ecosystem." – Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Chief Minister's visit to Japan was predominantly focused on business and investment opportunities for Assam. By engaging with Japanese companies, Sarma aims to position Assam as a key player in the semiconductor industry. His discussions with Nikkei also touched upon the presence of Indian talent in Japan and explored potential avenues for tourism collaboration between the two regions.

Assam, located in northeastern India, is actively seeking to diversify its economic portfolio. By courting Japanese firms, the state hopes to establish itself as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing. Sarma's initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance bilateral trade relations and bring advanced technological expertise to Assam.

Sarma's conversation with Nikkei underscored the potential for mutual benefits. While Assam stands to gain from Japanese technical know-how and investment, Japanese companies could benefit from accessing a skilled workforce and tapping into the growing Indian market. The interview served as a platform for Sarma to reinforce Assam's commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment that supports innovation and growth.