NE business summit begins in New Delhi
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal
New Delhi, January 09 2013:
Under the joint initiative of Ministry of DoNER and the Indian Chamber of Commerce, a two-day Northeast business summit began in New Delhi today.
Giving key note address, AS Lamba, Union Secretary of DoNER underpinned that investment in the NE does not commensurate the input and desired vision.
He noted that infrastructure development remains poor and Telecom sector is a critical concern.
He stated that underdevelopment in the region is due to the States' poor performance, implementation and monitoring.
Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar who attended the summit as special guest of honour emphasised need for bridging the disconnect between the region and mainland India.
An important and immediate neighbour for India's south east gateway, Myanmar's Sagaing region Chief Minister HE U Tha Aye reasserted the geo-strategic importance and need for building up economic ties.
There are investment opportunities in hydropower, infrastructure, textile, health , tourism, agriculture and horticulture said DoNER Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar.
"But the Northeast Investment Projects failed to attract investor", said the DoNER Minister in his inaugural speech.
Even the telecom industry that has brought revolution in mainland India has not been able to penetrate in many of the NE region, he added.
Roads, power, railways and national highways have to be hastened, he emphasised while reminding that it is a crucial and opportune time to make the Look East policy to be practical.
Industry and Commerce Minister and senior officials from all the Northeast States are participating in the concurrent exclusive investors meet during the two day summit.
Manipur state Minister for Industry & Commerce Govindas Konthoujam told The Sangai Express in the sideline of the inauguration that some of the key areas for discussion will be on infrastructure, border trade , and ICP.
" The state check post will be done in this financial year," he said.
Principal Secretary, Industry Naba Kishore Singh and other state officials are also participating in the summit.
The summit would hold panel discussion on NE India infrastructure and connectivity, infrastructural development for international border trade, tourism and hospitality, oil and gas for NE economy, agriculture, horticulture and food processing, IT and skill development and financial inclusion in the Northeast.
On the occasion, the North East Excellence Awards was given to the Public Sector Undertakings, Departments and individuals for their outstanding performance in their respective fields of North East region.
DoNER Minister also released a book 'India's North-East Diversifying Growth Opportunities' prepared by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and PVC India.
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