Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Mar 14: In a unique and historic initiative, possibly the first of its kind, Union Minister of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) Dr Jitendra Singh discussed Northeast business prospects with senior Cabinet Ministers from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar during one-to-one interaction at the Northeast Business Summit hosted by the Ministry of DoNER in collaboration with Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) here today.
In his inaugural address, accompanied by powerpoint presentation, Dr Jitendra Singh described Northeast region as the “Economic Corridor of India” for entry into international market beyond the eastern borders of the country. He said, to “act east” distal to the eastern borders of India, we will first need to successfully “act east” proximal to the Indian borders within the eight Northeastern States.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, during the past over 100 days ever since he was entrusted the responsibility of looking after the Ministry of DoNER, what precisely he has learnt is that in a country like India known for its diversity, Northeast is the best example of “diversity within diversity”.
Referring to several new initiatives undertaken by him, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, beginning from January this year, he has introduced the practice of holding a camp secretariat office by rotation every month in each of the eight States of Northeast and informed that two such Secretariat Camps have already been held in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh respectively, in the months of January and February while the camp in March will be held in Mizoram. This, he said, will send out a loud message to the people of Northeast that they do not need to travel to New Delhi each time when they have a grievance. On the contrary, it is New Delhi which will reach out to them, he added.
Inspired by Prime Minister’s “Make in India” initiative, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, a concept paper titled “Make in Northeast” has been prepared and he is personally trying to reach out to industrial houses to promote organic farming and food processing which will generate revenue as well as employment in the region. He appealed to leaders of the business community including Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to become active participants in this initiative and to inspire potential investors and entrepreneurs to supplement the DoNER Ministry’s efforts in the region. This will not only help in promoting industry and business but will also bridge the psychological barriers and bring Northeast closer to mainstream India’s brisk march on the road to development and growth, he observed.
Minister for Industry and an influential member of People’s Representative of Bangladesh, Alhaz Amir Hossain Amu and Bhutan Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk expressed their enthusiasm to do business with India and appreciated the initiative taken by DoNER Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh. In response, Dr. Singh assured the representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar that in near future, not only the Northeastern region of India will succeed in attracting investors from other parts of country but would also provide tempting potential to its neighbouring countries for mutually beneficial joint business ventures.
Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapathi Raju profusely praised the focused work style of Dr Jitendra Singh and complimented him as one of the most efficient colleagues in the Union Ministry. Responding to the concerns over poor air connectivity, Raju said, he was keenly following up the matter and expected more cooperation in this regard from the various State Governments in the Northeast.
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