US Consul General calls on Sonowal

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, August 23: US Consul General Kolkata Craig L. Hall on Tuesday met Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal in the latter’s office chamber in Assam Secretariat and the duo talked on a wide spectrum of areas such as tourism, culture, economy and student exchange programmes.

Sonowal apprised Craig L. Hall of Assam’s prolific tourism potentials and the role of it in the State’s economy. He also said, “The Assam Government wants to go in a big way in the promotion of ecotourism so that tourism as an industry and ture coexist”. He also sought America’s support in this sector. Sonowal also underlined the need for frequent students’ exchange programmes to build right kind of bond between Assam and America. Referring to Indian Prime Minister rendra Modi’s dream of making Assam as an organic hub of Asia, Sonowal sought America’s investment in the organic sector to help the State Government’s efforts in making Assam a ‘green and ecologically friendly’ State.

Craig L. Hall interacting with Sonowal, said that it is important for America to come to Assam and get involved in more economic engagements. Chief Minister Sonowal also requested the US Consul General to send a business delegation to Assam and invest in energy along with other key sectors and said  that Assam presented an appropriate vista for investments as the Government would ensure ease of doing business in the State. He also sought the US’ participation in the Intertiol Business Summit to be held in Guwahati.

Sonowal also informed Craig L. Hall that insurgency in Assam has been pushed to the fringe and a conducive environment is prevailing in the State for investment. The American Consul General also showed his keen interest in starting an American Corner in Guwahati very shortly.

Minister of State (independent charge) for Sports and Youth Welfare ba Kumar Doley, Additiol Chief Secretary, Tourism VS Bhaskar, Commissioner and Secretary Home and Political Department LS Changsan and other senior officers were present at the meeting.