Guwahati: Assam government has decided to set up a Centre of Excellence in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday.
The WEF, founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, is a global platform promoting government and private sector cooperation, best known for its annual Davos meeting on key issues like economic growth, climate change, technology, and geopolitics.
In a post on X, Sarma wrote: “In my meeting with the leadership team of @wef, we have decided to set up a Centre of Excellence in Assam in collaboration with the World Economic Forum on a theme of both national and state importance. We are also building a long term partnership with this exceptional platform so Assam can continue to leverage from major WEF assets such as annual summits in Davos and elsewhere.”
During the meeting, the Chief Minister outlined the Assam government’s proposal to ensure institutional credit for potato farmers. The plan involves a tripartite agreement between the State Bank of India, PepsiCo and the state government to improve farmers’ access to finance.
Discussions also covered PepsiCo’s expansion plans in Assam, a review of operations at its Nalbari plant, and steps to strengthen the company’s engagement with local farmers.
Sarma added that the WEF leadership agreed to establish a Centre of Excellence in Assam, focusing on issues of both state and national importance. He said the state also aims to build a long-term partnership with the forum, using platforms such as the annual Davos summit and other international events.
The Chief Minister said Assam is witnessing rapid infrastructure growth, with rising cement use, expanding industrial activity, and strong potential in sectors such as hydrocarbons, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture-based industries.