The AIDC has set up a Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC) at LGBI Airport, Guwahati. The project is aimed to provide state-of-the-art infrastructures for air cargo handling facilities, cold storages and to boost the export of horticulture products from the North Eastern Region.
The total land area is 1 acre which is lease transferred from the Airports Authority of India. Total Project Cost is Rs. 1984.32 Lakhs with funding from the central government under the ASIDE Scheme of Rs. 1934.32 Lakhs and State Government share of Rs. 50.00 lakhs.
Air Cargo Center would provide world-class facilities at a competitive price to the exporters to enable them to compete in the international market at globally competitive prices while ensuring that there is no deterioration in the quality during transit at the airport.
Sonowal said that the BJP-led governments, both at the Centre and the state, have been working relentlessly for equal development of all sections of the society and the opening of this cargo centre would enable the state’s farmers to contribute to the mission of
Atmanirbhar Assam by exporting vegetables and other agricultural products of the state to different countries. Farmers and agri-entrepreneurs of the state had exported 14 thousand metric tons of agricultural products to various countries during the lockdown period and now the operationalization of this cargo centre would help more such farmers to contribute to the economy of the state.
He also said that previous Congress governments had only neglected the Northeast Region and showed apathy towards its development and now the BJP led central and state government have been working earnestly for rapid development of the region.
Sonowal flagged off buses under the Uberization scheme of Transport Department. Under this scheme, the state government has decided to add 339 buses in the first phase which would ply in different routes and will continue to sanction more buses in the subsequent financial years till the state government achieves the goal where the public transport in Assam is at par with the rest of the country.
Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) would share 25 per cent of the cost while SBI’s share would be 65 per cent under the scheme. Out of the 25 per cent, the state government would provide a subsidy of 10 per cent and 15 per cent would be in the form of interest-free loan payable in a 5-year period.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisaged ‘transformation through transportation’ in the country and the state government has been taking rapid strides towards achieving the target of smooth connectivity across the state. This scheme will generate a lot of employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the state and also remove communication bottlenecks, he added.
Sonowal said that the buses operated by these young beneficiaries must set an example of punctuality, efficiency and timely public service in the state. State Government is striving towards youth-led development and the success of schemes like these would inspire other young entrepreneurs to come forward and take up the challenge of setting up a successful business, he added.
Saying that the beneficiaries must work hard and put in their honest and dedicated efforts for making this scheme a success, Sonowal said that failure of such schemes results in loss of faith by the young generation in entrepreneurship while also causing damages to public property like buses and other infrastructures. He also thanked SBI for coming forward and helping the youth of the state in their quest for a successful life. He also said that Prime Minister Modi has launched Make in India, Startup India,
and other such initiatives for the youth and the state government is also working towards generating sustainable livelihood for the young generation of the state.
Patowary chaired an Export Conclave organized by the Department of Industries and Commerce in collaboration with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Patowary said, ‘Assam Government has given great thrust for promoting exports of horticultural and agricultural products and processed food. The agro-climatic conditions of the state favour the growth of a variety of fruits, vegetables and spices which can contribute a lot for setting up of agro-processing industries in the state. Assam has a surplus of fruits and vegetables and has been exporting to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait in the past few years. Even during the Covid-19 lockdown period, Assam exported consignments of vegetables to Middle East countries. The focus given here shall go a long way in establishing their well-deserved marketability in the international markets.’
The Industry Minister stated that the attractive incentives in the state’s Exports and Logistics Policy, Integrated Check Post at Sutarkandi, Land Custom Stations at Golokganj, Mankachar and Darrangamela and the air cargo terminal for perishable goods near LGBI airport at Borjhar will boost infrastructure growth to turn Assam into an export hub. Completion of the International Agar Trade Centre at Golaghat and Tea Park at Chaygaon will help in producing, processing, packaging and marketing quality products across the globe.
The Minister deliberated on the fact that prior to independence, the per capita income of Assam was more than the national average as the North Eastern Region had access to the global market through the sea route as well as the land route. Post-independence, all these routes were snapped – resulting in severely restricted trade and stunted industrial growth in the State.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the importance laid on Act East Policy, Minister Patowary said that North East has now emerged as the fulcrum of the country’s economic relations with the ASEAN and BBN bloc countries. The Minister added that with the launch of the ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ initiative by Prime Minister Modi, connectivity through Brahmaputra waterways will greatly be strengthened.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Assam Government and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).
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