Guwahati: Assam's industries minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on Tuesday announced that an "international trade centre" would be set up near Basistha and 200 skill centres in different parts of the state.

He said this while inaugurating The India Show at the Veterinary College playground at Khanapara.

The 200 skill centres will cater to the needs of 18,500 students, according to Patowary.

The Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) is organising the fairwith the theme "Make in India".

Patowary said the two towers of the trade centre, consisting of 65 floors each, will be the tallest buildings in the eastern region. The centre will also house offices and consulates.

The 10-day show, aiming to provide a common platform for the best products of the country, will continue till December 14.

Stalls have been set up showcasing handloom attire, furniture, food and beverages, childcare products, cosmetics, perfumes and home decorations. A food festival featuring cuisines from different states of the country and abroad is another attraction.

Several states and neighbouring countries - Bangladesh and Thailand - are participating in the fair.

Speaking as the chief guest, Patowary said: "Assam was number five in terms of per capita income during Independence in 1947, but now it is at the bottom of the table. Before Independence, tea and other products from the state were transported through the waterways. Ship, carrying goods, used to sail down the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers to Chittagong port. But the waterways were closed after the formation of erstwhile East Pakistan. Water transport is the cheapest mode of transport. The routes are going to be reopened soon as an agreement is signed with Bangladesh. "

"The Centre has released Rs 350 crore and the ADB has agreed to fund dredging of a stretch of the Brahmaputra that flows through Bangladesh," he added.