Guwahati, Jan 12: Assam launched a two-day 'North East India Investment Summit' to woo the diaspora and seek investment in the state.

An exhibition is being held here showcasing products from the mainly tribal entire northeastern region.

"We have more than 70 such participants from all across the globe. More than 10 countries have representatives here. So, they are showing interest in many areas, for example, hill sector, education, upgradation of skills like ITI, hydropower, housing and real estate," said Abhijeet Baruah, Director for Assam, Confederation of Indian Industry.

"We have come here to see the possibilities of setting up a world class medical college. We are in infrastructure building like road construction and bridges. So, we are looking for that possibility as well," said Omar Izazin, a non-resident Indian from Dubai.

USA, UK, Austria, Singapore, UAE, Australia and Switzerland are among the countries participating in the summit.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh inaugurated the summit here on Friday.

While New Delhi hosted the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas', an annual summit of the Indian diaspora spread worldwide, individual states like Punjab and Gujarat have been holding similar gatherings to attract the diaspora to the specific regions of their origin.

New Delhi has unveiled dual citizenship for its diaspora which enables them to visit India more often without hassles, facilitated by an open visa, and make investments in lands and holdings. (ANI)