SHILLONG, Jan 24: DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh said the North East would be one of the favourite business destinations of the country during the post-COVID-19 period.
“The Northeastern region will lead the growth story of India at a time when the rest of the world is looking for economic resurgence through trade in post-pandemic times,” Singh observed, while addressing the valedictory session of a government function here on Sunday.
“The North East will also be one of the favourite business destinations of India post-COVID-19 and bamboo is going to be the key pillar of the economic activities,” he said.
The DoNER minister, however, asked all the states to equip themselves to make optimum use of the favourable condition North East would have during the post-COVID period.
The two-day programme, which was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, came to a successful conclusion on Sunday. It focussed on all-round development plans for the region and discussed the progress of various projects implemented in the region so far.
Discussions also centred on augmenting investments and improving rankings on the ease of doing business.
During the technical sessions, the delegates deliberated on developmental projects related to livelihood, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and connectivity among other areas related to the region.
Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing the Northeastern region and bringing it to the level of the other developed states.
He acknowledged the fact that the North East had been put on the fast track of development under the leadership of the Prime Minister during the past six to seven years.
The DoNER minister hoped that with the dedication of all the states and ministries, the North East would overcome all challenges in future.
He also said that he took pride in having been able to walk the talk and live up to the expectations, or even rise above expectations, with the help of the DoNER Ministry’s colleagues and stakeholders.
Later, Singh heard the presentations made by senior officials of various ministries and departments of the central government and requested the secretaries of the ministries to offer all possible assistance to the Northeastern states.
The minister further urged all the states to utilise the funds allotted by various ministries.