North East Business Summit 2013
Guwahati: DoNER Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar has stressed on connectivity as crucial for ensuring the future growth and development of North East Region (NER), and its ensuing integration with the neigbouring South-East Asian, East Asian and South Asian nations.
“Developing infrastructure and connectivity in the NER are essential for building bridges with South East Asia,” Ghatowar said at the valedictory session of the 9th North East Business Summit 2013, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and supported by Ministry of DoNER, yesterday at Dibrugarh in eastern Assam.
Ghatowar, also the Summit Chairman, stressed on the potential of the NER of India and the sectors of prime importance. During his address, he said that in spite of the fact that the region has performed tremendously well as compared to other states and regions of the country, the region lacks developed infrastructure, access to facilities and other necessary attributes.
Due to the strategic location of the NER, lack of proper infrastructure has led to suboptimal growth in volume of border trade, he added.
The NER can act as a source of raw materials for the upcoming food processing sector in Bangladesh, whereby the Indian entrepreneurs can expect definite cost advantages in production, on the back of improved trade connectivity, said Ghatowar. Special Guest of Honour Tapang Taloh, Minister of Industries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, lauded the initiative undertaken by the ICC and hoped that the summit will in promoting the brand entity of the NER and will help in increase in investment.
To witness the desired level of economic development of the region, concerted efforts should be made by the state and Central Government, said Mr Taloh.
Special Guest of Honour Siaosavanth Savengsuka, Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR, said India and Lao PDR has potential to investment in several sectors of which education and skill development are of importance.
Over years, interest of doing business with companies of Lao PDR has increased significantly, which have conveyed a sign of optimism to the business forum. It has also helped in revitalizing the trade perspectives with the South East Asian partners.
During his address he suggested that the regulatory frameworks need to be amended, keeping in mind the objective of enhancing trade and commerce with its neighbouring countries.
The NER has always been considered as transit point and lacks proper infrastructure, which is essential for development of commerce and industry, said A M Singh, Secretary, DoNER, while delivering his Special Address to the gathering. He said that transformation of rural structure and enhancing connectivity are the two issues of topmost priority for the department.
Habib Mohammad Chowdhury, CMD, HSMM Group put some light on the existing problems of the region, which are acting as major deterrents for trade and commerce.
Dato Paduka Haji Sidek Ali, High Commissioner, Brunei Darussalam & Chairman ASEAN New Delhi Committee, emphasized on having strong focus of trade and commerce with India and ASEAN countries and on completion of the trilateral highway which will increase the trade through NER.
The Summit was also attended by Tith Chantha, Secretary of State, Cambodia, Lim Thuan Kuan, Singapore High Commissioner and M K Saharia, Chairman, ICC NE Initiatives. Prior to the valedictory session, there were six sector specific sessions on energy, banking & finance, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and higher education. (UNI)
