Assam to Sign MoUs with Japan and Singapore at Advantage Assam 2.0 for Workforce and Academic Initiatives
Assam is poised for a significant leap in international cooperation as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that will be signed with Japan and Singapore at the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 investors summit. The MoUs are centred on critical areas like manpower recruitment and academic collaboration, which are set to offer Assam’s youth valuable opportunities for employment and learning abroad.
Sarma revealed that Japan, a key partner, is keen to recruit up to 50,000 workers from Assam, with an eye on expanding this number in the future. The state will also see an influx of Japanese academic expertise, with 20 professors scheduled to visit Assam to contribute to local education. To aid this, a language testing centre will be established to help candidates meet the language proficiency required for the recruitment process. This move highlights Assam’s rising potential as a key manpower supplier to international markets. In addition to Japan, Singapore is also focusing on Assam for its manpower needs. The island nation has already placed 17 nurses from Assam and is looking to recruit more from the state. Sarma expressed his satisfaction with the response from Singapore following his recent visit, underscoring the positive relationship between the two regions. This partnership, aimed at expanding job opportunities for skilled professionals from Assam, is another milestone in strengthening international ties.
The academic collaboration aspect of the MoUs also holds promise for the future. Assam’s universities are in talks to introduce dual degree programs in partnership with Japanese institutions, allowing students to gain valuable qualifications recognised globally. This will enhance the academic ties between Assam and Japan and give local students greater exposure to international educational standards. The upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, which will take place on February 24 and be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to be a landmark event for Assam. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and a host of other Union Ministers are slated to attend the summit, along with a delegation of ambassadors from 31 countries. The event will feature high-profile industrialists such as Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal, and business magnates like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.
Focusing on key sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, hydrocarbons, aerospace and defence manufacturing, and sustainable industries, the summit aims to open doors for significant investments and international collaborations. Sarma noted that the event has already attracted over 7,000 registrations, with strong interest from both local industrialists and global investors. Additionally, Bhutan is in the process of developing a “Mindfulness City” in Gelephu, near Assam, and there is potential for an SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in this region, which could foster further cross-border economic engagement. The summit promises to be a vital platform for Assam to showcase its growth potential and build on its global connections, paving the way for a prosperous and interconnected future for the state.
