Guwahati: Emami Group joint chairman R.S. Agarwal on Tuesday said Assam would always be a preferred manufacturing location for the company.
Emami, a diversified business conglomerate with a market valuation of Rs 50,000 crore, launched its third Assam unit at Pacharia in Kamrup district on Tuesday. The Rs 300-crore plant is spread over 34 acres.
Agarwal said Assam had a special place in his heart as he was born in Nalbari district. "The company will invest in the state irrespective of any location. Our future investments will be in line with the market demand. Assam, being an investor-friendly destination, will always remain a preferred manufacturing location for Emami," he said.
Agarwal pledged to invest more in Assam after state industries and commerce minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, who is also from Nalbari, asked him to invest in the town.
Sixty-five per cent of the company's production capacity is in Assam.
Sushil Goenka, managing director, Emami Group, said the company is mulling setting up a vendors' park at Baihata Chariali.
State finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the investments by several companies speak of a new confidence in Assam. "There is now tremendous political will towards supporting industrial development of the state."
There are new areas of investment for Emami in the state, he added.
Sarma said preferential treatment would be given to investors willing to set up shop in Assam. "We will announce more concessions at the Global Investors' Summit in February next year for those who want to invest in the state."
Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal asked Emami Group to participate in the summit and use the platform to tell their success story in Assam so that others are enthused to invest in the state.
Patowary said Assam was now the gateway to Southeast Asia. "Assam is the only state to enter the Southeast Asian market. We are working hard to become a favoured investment destination," he added.
Patowary said Assam was fourth among states in ease of doing business.
R.S. Goenka, joint chairman, Emami Group, and senior company officials were present.
