MIDC chairman pitches for industry forum in state

SHILLONG, May 9: In a bid to boost government’s efforts and strengthen industry and business links in Meghalaya, Chairman of Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) James PK Sangma on Tuesday said he would call on industries in the state for the formation of a Joint Consultative Industry Forum (JCIF).
Sangma pointed out that the forum would help in identifying focus sectors and priority areas for economic and industrial development by way of involving all stakeholders, as well as addressing issues that would help Meghalaya reach its fullest economic potential.
“In my recent meetings with industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi, we discussed the potential for industrial development in Meghalaya and how it can aid in fulfilling the vision of making Meghalaya a USD 10 billion economy by 2028,” Sangma said.
“As a first step, it is important that we have a forum of all industries with the government so that a pathway forward can be identified in a collective manner. In our journey to bring economic development for the state, all of us need to be on the same page and this is a step to that effect,” he added.
The MIDC chairman emphasised that the forum will play a significant role in bringing business and investment to the state, thereby helping enhance the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), which would boost the state’s potential in trade and employment generation.
Earlier on May 4, Sangma had also written to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on the matter requesting him to head the forum with MIDC as the nodal agency.