The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) organised a Seminar at Vibrant Gujarat, spotlighting investment and trade opportunities in the North Eastern Region. The seminar was successful in garnering significant interest from potential investors and other stakeholders. Senior government officials from the Ministry of DoNER and the eight states of North East Region showcased various aspects of investment and trade in their states and focus areas through presentations and vivid videos.
Mr. Chanchal Kumar Secretary, Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region quoting the Hon’ble prime minister he said, the “northeast is India’s Ashtlakshmi” and the country’s new growth engine. He highlighted the strategic proximity of North East with ASEAN and BBN. He also spoke about various infrastructure and connectivity projects being undertaken at various levels in the North East to enable the region to leverage this proximity. He mentioned that international projects like Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project were going to be key drivers of growth.
He highlighted sectoral strengths and opportunities in the Northeast which could be explored by investors from Gujarat and other states.
The Co-Chairman, FICCI-Gujarat State Council, Mr. Natu Patel, highlighted his experience of North East speaking about the highly developed infrastructure of apex educational institutions and the region’s human resources.
CMDE Rajiv Ashok Managing Director, Northeast Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd NERAMAC, which is a government sector organisation responsible for marketing of agricultural produce of the region, spoke about the various initiatives to transform post-harvest infrastructure in the region and also how challenges of exporting produce are being addressed by developing cold storages etc
Mr. Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh spoke about the huge untapped potential in tourism, handloom etc. He showcased specific investible projects inviting investors to explore the same.
Mr. Paban Kumar Borthakur, Chief Secretary Government of Assam spoke how it was important to position the state as a hub for investment in NER and beyond. Manabendra Pratap Singh, Managing Director, gave further details about the investment ecosystem including policy, ease of doing business, geostrategic location etc.
Mr. Polem Lenin Singh Managing Director, Manipur Industrial Development, Corporation Pvt Ltd. Manipur showcased unique traditions and natural wonders like the Loktak lake reiterating the state’s immense potential for growth in certain focus sectors. He also shared various plans of the government in front of the audience.
Dr. Shakil Ahammed, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Meghalaya, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach within the states of North East for a synergistic growth of the region.
Dr. Lalrozama, Secretary of Tourism, Government of Mizoram, highlighted how the state is an unexplored paradise for Tourists. He added the Government was focused on niche tourism rather than mass tourism.
Dr. Hukugha Sema, Commissioner & Secretary of Nagaland, underlined the changing landscape of focus areas of the Government adding that understanding the need of the hour a new industrial policy is being planned. He talked about the various GI products of Nagaland and how they could be marketed globally by interested investors and also the potential of Bangladesh as a market.
Mr. CS Rao, Principal Secretary of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, focused on organic products and diverse tourism offerings, including rural homestays and adventure tourism.
Mr. Gitte Kirankumar Dinkarrao, Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura, spoke about increasing trade with Bangladesh, reopening transportation through Ashuganj port, and opportunities in sectors like BPO, tourism, and agro-processing.
With some of the oldest industries in India and world emerging from the North East Region like Oil and Tea industries, the North East already shares a background which is favourable for business. As a geostrategic location, the region could be a frontier for trade and investment into entire South east Asia. The ready catchment of more than 600 million consumers in this neighbourhood can be a lucrative incentive beside what is offered by the states.
The economic progress of India’s North East Region is undoubtedly vital for achieving the nation’s ambitious goal of a five-trillion-dollar economy. The Government of India has already taken several crucial steps in building capacity, infrastructure and connectivity. With the state governments also aligning with the overall goals. Along with the seminar the day witnessed several B2G meetings generating prospective interests from various investors.
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