Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi urged investors to start ventures in Assam claiming that the law and order situation has improved substantially.  Speaking at the inaugural function of a seminar, ''Look East - infrastructural requirements potential unexplored'', Mr Gogoi substantiated his claim with a statistic that the number of tourists visiting the state had doubled in the last three years. From 10 lakh tourists in 2001, the annual figure had crossed 20 lakh last year, he said, adding that there was no ''fear psychosis'' among the visitors to the state.

Mr Gogoi said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also shown keen interest to develop infrastructure for an economic boost to the region and the Indo-ASEAN car rally held from Guwahati earlier in the year, was a step to promote mutual relation between the region and its international neighbours. He, however, admitted that despite several steps taken by both the state and the Central government, investment to the region continued to be meagre in the last few years. Mr Gogoi stressed on improving the waterways of the state to develop communication network further as air connectivity to the region has already improved and surface communication was also fast improving.

Thai Airways had applied to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to operate from Guwahati and this would further increase the importance of the airport, Mr Gogoi said.He asked the organisers of the event to focus on the potential of the region and suggest ways to utilise the resources scientifically to usher in an era of development.

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