Assam Makes Historic Debut at World Economic Forum in Davos, Eyes MoUs Worth Nearly ₹1 Lakh Crore
In a landmark moment for India’s Northeast, Assam has made its first-ever appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading the state’s delegation to the prestigious global gathering, which runs from January 19 to 23, 2026. This participation underscores Assam’s rising profile as an emerging investment hub and positions the state on the international stage for the first time.
Speaking to media outlets including ANI during the event, Chief Minister Sarma expressed strong optimism about investment outcomes. He stated, “I think we’re going to sign MoUs close to 1L Cr” — referring to Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) valued at close to ₹1 lakh crore during his stay in Davos. The focus of these anticipated agreements is primarily on green and new energy sectors, including pumped storage projects (PSP) and innovative initiatives such as converting bamboo to methanol, which leverage Assam’s abundant natural resources.
Sarma highlighted Assam’s recent economic momentum to build confidence among global investors. He referenced the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit held last year, where MoUs worth around ₹5 lakh crore were signed. Of these, investments totaling nearly ₹3 lakh crore have already been grounded, with land allocation completed and project execution underway across multiple sectors. He noted that many existing investors are now expanding their commitments, such as pairing solar projects with pumped storage facilities, signaling growing trust in the state’s business environment.
The Chief Minister positioned Assam not just as a standalone entity but as a gateway benefiting the entire Northeast region. He emphasized that any economic progress in Assam has a ripple effect across neighboring states due to shared geography, talent pools, and infrastructure linkages. Citing data from the Reserve Bank of India, Sarma described Assam as India’s fastest-growing state, aligning with broader national projections, including the International Monetary Fund’s upward revision of India’s growth rate above 7%.
Beyond green energy, discussions at Davos are covering semiconductors, tourism, renewable energy, and other sustainable industries. Sarma urged international investors to look beyond traditional destinations and consider Assam as an “emerging state and emerging economy” with unique opportunities in sustainable development.
As the forum progresses, Sarma continues to engage with global leaders, business executives, and organizations, pitching Assam’s strategic advantages and forward-looking vision. This debut at Davos represents a significant step in elevating the Northeast’s visibility and attracting high-impact investments that could accelerate industrial and green transitions in the region.
With expectations running high for substantial MoU signings in priority sectors, Assam’s participation signals its ambition to transition from a regional player to a globally recognized destination for responsible and innovative growth. Updates on specific agreements are expected as the event unfolds.
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