Erabot, TN hard sells State's potential to investors
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2011: Highlighting the rich potential that Manipur has to offer for various industrial sectors, Industry Minister Y Erabot and his Cabinet colleague TN Haokip, who holds the Tourism portfolio, have urged investors of the country to set up business units in the State.

The focal sectors include tourism, agriculture, horticulture, mineral resources, IT, power, fisheries and health services etc.

Addressing a seminar on 'Investment opportunity in Manipur' today, Erabot highlighted certain projects taken up by the Government at Moreh town bordering Myanmar to accelerate the ongoing commercial activities between the two countries.

Significantly Moreh, the gateway to Southeast Asia and a strategic place for the country 's 'Look East Policy', does a business of around rupees five crores daily in trans-border trading.

Among others, the Minister said construction of an integrated check post is underway at a fast pace, while a multi-storied market complex is being set up for which the foundation stone has already been laid and soil testing has been conducted.

He urged the investors to grab the opportunities at the 'Food Park' at Nilkuthi in greater Imphal where facilities like power supply and cold storage are available.

Tourism Minister Haokip , while emphasizing the need to set up star hotels in Manipur , informed the investors that required land would be available at affordable rates.

He also highlighted the Government's plan to set up a 100-acre Buddish council complex at Thoubal district.

Taking into account the volatile law and order situation here, a key reason for most of the investors preferring to stay away, Haokip said the Government would provide adequate security for them.

Chief Secretary DS Poonia pointed out the development of various units like the IT park at Mantripukhri, the food park, expansion of Imphal airport where 12 flights are currently being operated on a daily basis and the construction of rail link between Jiribam sub division and Imphal, which would be extended upto Moreh to be the backbone of the proposed Trans Asian railways.

Stressing on the potential of these projects, the Chief Secretary urged the investors to invest here and reap the harvest.

During the seminar cum 'Investors' meet' organized jointly by DoNer Ministry and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the investors along with the Government officials belonging to different departments held deep discussions to study the feasibilities for setting up such units.

ICC's North East Initiative advisor Nakib Ahmed, said the body is bridging the gap between the investors and the government departments concerned to set up business units for overall development of the country and the Northeast in particular.

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