Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday that the European Union has lifted the negative travel advisory for the northeastern state.
Speaking to social media platforms, Sarma described the move as a positive step that will increase the inflow of tourists from the 27 countries that are part of the European Union and will also improve possibilities for further investments in trade and industry.
“Encouraging news for Assam. After Australia and Japan, EU member states have now revised their travel advisories and removed restrictive directives for their citizens visiting the state,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
“This timely development, in the wake of the recent visit of EU diplomats, is a strong vote of confidence in Assam and augurs well for deeper engagement between the EU and Assam… Grateful to the EU Ambassador to India, His Excellency Hervé Delvin, for his support in taking this matter forward,” he added.
Earlier this month, a high-level delegation from the European Union visited Assam on a two-day visit to explore further engagement with the state on trade, business and joint projects to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed during the visit between the Assam Industrial Development Corporation Limited and the European Business Federation in India to enhance investment awareness, business-to-business linkages and knowledge exchange.
In a live broadcast on Facebook, Sarma said the EU move would lead to an influx of tourists and urged entrepreneurs in Assam to focus on providing a healthy experience by setting up accommodations and offering guests the state’s diverse food and culture.
“We have five-star hotels in the state. But tourists from the European Union come looking for different types of experiences and we have to be ready to provide that to them,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that efforts are underway to ensure that the USA and Canada remove the restrictive travel advisories for their citizens visiting Assam.
Sarma said the restrictive warnings would remain in force in three districts – Charaideo, Sibsagar and Dibrugarh – where the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives huge powers to security forces and the army to deal with insurgency, remains in force.
