Guwahati, Jan 22: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday showcased the state’s readiness for global investments during the third day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, holding high-level discussions across semiconductors, green energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

As part of Team India, Sarma participated in a semiconductor roundtable with leaders from Synopsys, Qualcomm, Analog Devices, Thermo Fisher, Honeywell, and Henkel. He emphasized Assam’s policy clarity, improved infrastructure, and skilled workforce, drawing interest from companies seeking local partnerships and supply chain diversification.

Sarma also held targeted talks with Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and IBM Vice President Gary Cohn on skill development and AI initiatives, with IBM planning to send a delegation to Assam shortly. Discussions with Varaha Group’s COO Ikarus Janzen focused on biochar, regenerative agriculture, and afforestation projects for local farmers.

The Chief Minister highlighted Assam’s tea industry prospects amid the Indo-UK Free Trade Agreement and the upcoming Indo-EU deal, along with incentives to reduce production costs. He met Philip Morris International CEO Frederic De Wilde to discuss nicotine-free goals and harm-reduction alternatives, pending approvals. Lulu Group’s Chairman Yusuff Ali explored investments in agri-processing, hospitality, and retail, while AB InBev’s Andres Penate expressed interest in manufacturing expansion, with a February visit planned.

Sarma addressed the session “Tourism: Unlocking the Path to a USD 10 Trillion Opportunity”, participated in bilateral meetings, and interacted with the media, noting Assam’s rising investment momentum. “Every region of India is now ready,” he said, forecasting accelerated growth from these engagements.