Dialogue on industrial development held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10 2013: A dialogue on industrial development on the topic "State of Industrial Potential in Manipur and Look East Policy of India" was held today under the aegis of the All Manipur Entrepreneurs' Association (AMEA) at Classic Hotel here today.

Speaking at the dialogue as chief guest, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam asserted that industrial growth is a must for economic welfare of Manipur.

Manipur can progress only when there is growth in industrial sector and it would provide job opportunities to people of the State.

Claiming that the State Government has been working hard to bring industrial development in the State by formulating an industrial policy, Govindas informed that due sanctions have been obtained to set up three new industrial estates apart from augmenting the Takyel Industrial Estate.

Quoting a survey report published by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India recently, Govindas said that Manipur ranks third in Indian in terms of producing handloom products.

Saying that handloom products of the State are produced by women only, Govindas said that Manipur can become the biggest producer of handloom products if men too join the womenfolk.

Handloom weavers would be given grants under a new scheme.

If the entrepreneurs of Manipur do not have enough conviction for entrepreneurship, Manipur would be in a pitiable situation as and when the Look East Policy becomes fully operational.

The Government of India cannot overlook Manipur as far as its Look East Policy is concerned.

If the Government of India works sincerely for industrial development of Manipur, there is no reason for Manipur to lag behind other States.

Entrepreneurs of Manipur have all enough resource and potential, Govindas asserted.

Principal Secretary (Commerce and Industries) O Nabakishore remarked that it is the opportune event to analyse the possible prospects and challenges entrepreneurs of Manipur would face when Look East Policy is implemented fully.

Though Manipur has sufficient potential in the fields of hospitality, medical care and education, it is lagging far behind other States in industrial sector.

Most of the industries run in Manipur are micro or cottage industries.

Industrial policy is not enough for growth of industry.

What is more important is the vision of entrepreneurs, Nabakishore asserted.

Later, three entrepreneurs gave power point presentations.

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