"Good potential for Assam to work with Europe in research," says EU counsellor Pierrick Fillon-Ashifa

"Yes, it's a short trip to Assam, but it's to see what potential Assam has to work with the European Union, especially in the domain of research. Personally, I think there is good potential, because in the North-East we have some common points with European countries," Fillon-Ashifa told ANI.

The EU official visited Assam along with colleagues from other embassies based in Delhi to explore collaboration in sectors such as hydropower, hydrogen, semiconductors, and skill development.

"You have potential in hydropower, hydrogen, semiconductors, skills--many, many topics," he said.

While declining to comment on initiatives at the Prime Ministerial level, Fillon-Ashifa said his office is focused on "bringing some very concrete projects for the Assam region and for India globally."

"Because what we do with Assam can be done in other parts of India, and that's why it will reinforce the European Union and India partnership," he added.

He said Assam needs more visibility at the international level. "Assam is a region that has to come on the radar screen," he noted.

On the topic of semiconductors, he said it remains one of the possible areas of cooperation but added, "This is a very detailed question, and I don't have all the information on semiconductors."

He also stressed the importance of educational exchange programmes between Assam and European institutions.

"We have to explore a large number of technologies and skills, and also educational exchange between Assam and Europe. We have to make sure that Assam students go to Europe and are trained for Master's, PhD, and post-doc," he said.

"Also, we hope that Assam universities, there are about 20 universities, will welcome European students," Fillon-Ashifa said. (ANI)