Stress on trade with SE Asia

Guwahati, Jan 10 : Union Minister for DoNER, BK Handique has underscored the need for enhancing trade ties between Northeast India and the South East Asian countries.

While inaugurating the 5th Northeast Business Summit in Kolkata today, he said that under the 11th Plan , Centre had already spent substantial funds to upgrade the infrastructure in the Northeast. “We need private investments in road, tourism and other sectors,” he added.

The Union Minister laid emphasis on opening of more trade routes between North East India and the ASEAN.

“Efforts are also on to increase the air connectivity to the region from rest of the country. The Central Government has already unfolded the agenda to connect all capitals of the NE States with rail heads along with extending and improving all National Highways including an ambitious Trans-Arunachal”, he added.

The two-day Business Summit has been jointly organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in association with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

The Summit will focus on building international partnership and enhancinginfrastructure in the Northeast.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while addressing the gathering said that topmost priority should be given towards improving the connectivity.

To promote growth , he emphasized that along with big ticket investments adequate thrust must also be given towards developing agro based, food processing and cottage industries. “Assam particularly has a big market to be tapped in this regard”, he added.

To acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by individuals and industry at large in the North East, top performers were felicitated by Northeast Excellence Awards. Noted singer Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was felicitated with Lifetime Achievement Award.

MK Saharia, Chairman of the ICC, North-eastern region informed this correspondent from Kolkata that the representatives from eight ASEAN countries are participating in the two-day Summit.

“ The ICC will be signing an MoU with the ASEAN to promote trade and investment, besides pursuing a deal with Myanmar for re-opening of the Stilwell Road,” he added.