Concrete blueprint essential for fruition of AEP - Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, October 29 2022: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that the North East connects India with one of the most economically dynamic and politically significant geographies of the world.

He was speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural session of a two-day conclave on 'Act East to Indo-Pacific: Role of Northeast and Indian States in Connecting the Connectivities', organised by Asian Confluence-Engaging Third Space in association with Ministry of External Affairs and Manipur University, at Classic Grande here on Saturday.

Highlighting the importance of Act East Policy (AEP), CM Biren explained the need to finalise various aspects of Look East Policy (LEP), which has now become AEP including the state's responsibility, infrastructural development, responsibility and benefits for the state entrepreneurs, etc., while further expressing the need for a concrete blueprint.

He also expressed confidence that the conclave would certainly come up with some concrete blueprint or roadmap.

Such a platform would provide deeper insights into the strategic landscape and developmental trends, he stated.

Developing a secure and prosperous North Eastern Region (NER) will be in the interest of the country, he said while pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already identified the region as the new engine for development of India.

"A vibrant, dynamic, prosperous and resilient North-East is India's strength and the region has the po-tential to be the growth engine for the country in the 21st century.

Turning this into reality would require among others, understanding the challenges and opportunities related to connectivity, commerce, contacts, security and human capital development," he opined.

One of the key foundations towards development and growth of the region, Biren said, is based on ensuring robust and resilient connectivity infrastructure.

And towards this objective, completion of projects such as Trilateral Highway Project, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, SASEC Road Connectivity Projects would be transformative, he added.

The CM continued that the plans for Asian Railways through Moreh-Tamu by extending the rail line beyond Imphal will boost trade, commerce, and promote sectors such as logistics, tourism, services, etc., creating livelihood and employment opportunities.

Further speaking on connectivity, CM Biren said that the government is making efforts to strengthen road connectivity in and along the border areas and that air connectivity in the state has also improved significantly.

Under schemes like UDAN, regional connectivity networks have expanded, he said while expressing that plans for international flights from airports in the region to neighbouring countries would strengthen the connectivity to the wider region.

He also highlighted the necessity for Manipur and other states in the region to be mindful of the security dimensions due to its strategic location and said that law and order in the state has improved significantly.

Steps are being taken up to augment border management and further strengthen the security environment.

Bandhs and blockades are things of the past now, he remarked.

While stating that the Integrated Check Post at Moreh is now functional and better infrastructure at police stations at Behiang, Sangaikot, Singhat and Tamei have been constructed, Biren said that construction of 34 Police Outposts along the Indo-Myanmar International border and 6 along National Highway-37 have been approved.

Projects for border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border are being taken up to fence 60.23 km of the international border, he conveyed.

The CM also highlighted initiatives like the War on Drugs 2.0, Highway Patrol Units, Manipur Start-Up and Health for All.

Over 200 MSMEs have achieved a turnover of at least Rs 1 crore, he said, adding that the First Building of the IT SEZ will be ready soon and is expected to create employment opportunities for about 1,500-2000 people.

Furthermore, the state government is continuing to give priority and importance to development of adequate tourism infrastructures and services sector in the state.

The agro-industry is also being promoted under various schemes, CM Biren said, while expressing hope that the discussions and deliberations during the conclave would throw light on a way forward for synchronizing the efforts of various stakeholders towards a coordinated and collective response dovetailing the strategic interest of India in the Indo-Pacific.

Minister of State for External Affairs Dr RK Ranjan Singh, who presided over the inaugural session, said that there are physical connectivity projects underway, including projects which will connect the region with the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Connectivity between North Eastern states and the rest of the country has also made tremendous progress, he remarked, while adding that when we talk about connectivity, we don't talk just about physical connectivity.

There are also other forms of connectivity including power, energy, digital and financial connectivity.

The inaugural session was also attended by Asian Confluence executive director Sabyasachi Dutta, Ministry of External Affairs PPR joint secretary Dr Sumit Seth, Manipur University vice chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh and Prof Ch Ibohal Meitei among others.

The two-day conclave will also have moderated conversations and panel discussions on various topics.

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