Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today urged Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to take steps for introducing direct flight from Singapore to Guwahati to boost connectivity in the region and improve trade and commerce between the two countries.
Sonowal made this request to the Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister while holding a discussion with a delegation of Singapore Government on the sidelines of the MoU signing ceremony for setting up of North East Skills Centre and Greening Guwahati in the city.
Stating that better connectivity between Assam and Singapore would lead to higher tourist footfall in both the destinations, the Chief Minister stressed that the move would augur well for trade and commerce as well.
Sonowal also mentioned that improved air connectivity with Singapore would provide greater scope to Assam in showcasing its potential amongst the South East Asian countries.
"Assam is blessed with natural resources and fertile land. The state is known for its tea and one horned rhinos world over. We have recently launched our tourism policy which offers many incentives for entrepreneurial interventions", Sonowal said adding that investors from Singapore could take advantage of the policy.
Informing that Assam Government is actively working to expand its connectivity with South East Asia to emerge as Indias gateway to that region, Sonowal said dredging of river Brahmaputra will start soon to take the initiative forward.
Stating India and Singapore are celebrating 22 years of their friendship, the Chief Minister urged the Singapore Foreign Minister to be a partner state in the forthcoming Global Investors Summit scheduled on February 3 and 4 next year in Guwahati and also to send business delegations to the meeting.
Responding to Sonowals requests, Balakrishnan appreciated Assams natural beauty and said his visit to the state has opened new opportunities for future cooperation.
"Assam is very beautiful and has lots of potential. But there is an urgent need to generate awareness about this place amongst South East Asian countries", the Singapore Foreign Minister said.
Expressing his desire to open avenues for connectivity between Singapore and Assam, Balakrishnan assured the Chief Minister to positively consider his proposal.
He also assured to extend all support to the delegation of ministers who will visit Singapore to promote the Global Investors Summit there.
The Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister termed the relationship between Assam and Singapore as very promising and assured to work in many other sectors apart from skill development and city greening in future.
He also extended an invitation to Chief Minister Sonowal to visit Singapore.
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