GUWAHATI, Jan 5 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Assam Biotech Conclave 2017 at a city hotel today where eminent researchers and academicians in the field of biotechnology and representatives of major private pharma players are taking part to deliberate on various aspects of the biotech industry in the State.
Taking part in the inaugural function the Chief Minister said that the conclave, being organised by the Guwahati Biotech Park in association with the Federation of Industries & Commerce of North Eastern region (FINER), Oil India Limited, IIT Guwahati and Science and Technology Department, Govt of Assam, would create a synergy between the centres of knowledge creation such as national R&D laboratories, universities, medical institutions and research organisations in India and abroad.
Sonowal said that the interaction facilitated by the conclave between the academicians and private biotech players would go a long way in establishing Assam as a biotech hub of the country.
Referring to the State�s potential to be a leader in biotechnology, the Chief Minister said that investors in the field should come forward with an open mind and the government would extend all possible help in creating a conducive atmosphere for business.
Inviting all major players of the pharmaceutical industry to set up their manufacturing facilities in the State, Sonowal said the Assam Biotech Hub can play a big role in facilitating a bridge between the potential and performance of the sector in the State and create opportunities for the youths.
Saying that the government is taking steps to make Assam an organic State by chalking out plans for organic cultivation in a big way, the Chief Minister expressed hope that science and technology would be able to help in finding solutions to the perennial problems of the State like flood and erosion. �Science and technological innovations must be practical and should come to the aid of all sections of society so that there can be tangible changes in the lives of the people,� Sonowal said.
Science and Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta, who was also present on the occasion, said that the State government is supporting R&D in the biotechnology sector in a big way and adequate funds would be provided for innovation.
He also announced that a business management department would soon be opened in the Guwahati Biotech Park.
Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, Director of IIT Guwahati Gautam Barua, FINER chairman Pabitra Buragohain were present among others on the occasion.
