Separate income estimates for the city are yet not available as city-level income estimation is not a traditional practice in India and is not practised in a systematic and continual manner. But looking at the agglomeration of activities and employment patterns it can be easily understandable that the city contributes a lions share of the state’s income.

The major economic activities are trade and commerce, transportation and services. Guwahati is the most important trade hub in NER. It is a major wholesale distribution centre, a marketing hub and also a retail hub in the region. The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre is one of the largest in the world. As in other cities, ‘mall culture’ is slowly invading Guwahati.

Manufacturing is also an important activity although it is not comparable to those of India’s rapidly growing industrial cities. The most important manufacturing industry in the city is the petroleum refinery of IOCL at Noonmati.

The city is also the head quarter or the seat for regional offices for several manufacturing and business establishments, e.g. Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL). Guwahati is also important for printing and publishing and businesses related to electronic and print media. During past two decades, businesses such as real estate development, finance, etc. are also intensifying.

Tourism and recreation, education, research, cultural activities, etc. are also slowly increasing and are contributing to city’s economy.