SHILLONG: Young leaders from the North East region have highlighted that lack of access to finance is a major hurdle that is affecting the growth of the entrepreneurship in the region
Different leaders at the 6th edition of Young Leaders Connect (YLC) which began in Shillong on Saturday, was dwelling at length on how to set up a powerful network of like-minded young leaders, with a desire for strengthening the North East.
Attended by leaders from across the North East region cutting across political and social spectrum, the first day of the conclave witnessed sessions on Entrepreneurs of North East, Creating Eco-System for Entrepreneurs to thrive- a policy perspective beside others.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Member of Parliament from Assam, Gaurav Gogoi said that if the balance sheets of last six years were measured in terms of development and growth in the North East, a sluggishness whether it is in the market, economy or projects and slowness has crept in.
He also pointed out that access to money was becoming extremely difficult for any ventures. Gogoi said that the region has talented NGOs, SHGs and entrepreneurs and for them to grow to large scale units, access to finance, market and capacity-building is a must.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the conclave was also looking into the possibility of having centres of Made in North East and though it was at its nascent stage, discussions would be held and they would come up with working plan to promote make in North East.
“It will not just be exchange of ideas and discussions but they will look into coming up with some kind of policies in place,” he said while underlining benefits associated with holding upon food processing conference to be attended by ASEAN countries also.
On the same lines, Chair- YLC Baichung Bhutia said that access to finance was a challenge and also a very important factor for all the start ups.
Acknowledging that the government was also not being able to do much in this regard, he said that the YLC was trying to guide and pick up the right projects.
Young Leaders Connect (YLC) is a YouthNet initiative to bring young leaders and achievers from the eight North East states together in one platform with the hope of developing greater awareness and understanding of the region