Guwahati, August 15: Assam is exploring deeper economic engagement with Japan, with a focus on attracting investment in semiconductors, renewable energy, tea, tourism and other emerging sectors, the Chief Secretary’s office said.
The Assam Chief Secretary met a delegation from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), led by Deputy Director Toshiaki Sato, to discuss strengthening economic ties and creating new opportunities for Japanese investment and business partnerships.
The discussions covered semiconductors and electronics manufacturing, compressed biogas, renewable energy, including pumped storage, logistics, tea and golf tourism, defence and aerospace, among other sectors.
The meeting also highlighted Assam’s potential in the premium tea segment. The successful introduction of matcha in the state was seen as an opportunity to develop stronger linkages with Japanese investors and tea companies.
The Chief Secretary said growing Japanese interest in the Northeast could create opportunities for investment, technology partnerships and value addition across Assam’s tea ecosystem.
The state also discussed its proposed “Tea & Teeing” initiative, which seeks to promote Assam’s tea gardens and golf courses as a distinctive tourism product. Assam has more than 18 golf courses located within tea gardens, and the government aims to gradually bring these destinations onto the global golf circuit.
The initiative is intended to combine the state’s tea heritage, tourism and sporting infrastructure to attract international visitors.
The meeting further discussed the possibility of a state-to-state cooperation agreement between Assam and Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture to strengthen institutional linkages and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
The Assam government also expressed hope that JETRO would continue connecting Japanese enterprises with the state’s investment ecosystem, helping turn the discussions into concrete projects and sustainable economic opportunities.
