Immense potential for Economic Development in North East Region says Mani Shankar Aiyar

The Minister for Development of North East Region, Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar outlined the key areas to be developed in North East Region in order to enhance economic development and investment in the region. Speaking on the concluding day, of the 3rd North East Business Summit, Mr. Aiyar chalked out the areas of potential collaboration between India and Thailand. The Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr. Krirk-Krai Jirapaet was the chief guest in this Session. Mr. Aiyar said that the development of the NE Region cannot happen unless and until the neighbouring countries are recognized and joint effort is made for progress. He said that in the last 30 years Thailand has done remarkable amount of development and there is no reason why NE Region cannot do the same? He said the geographical and bio-diversity features of Thailand and NE India are very similar. Mr. Aiyar said that Thailand has made excellent forays in road construction and it would be of great advantage to the NE Region if Thailand can partner in this area. He said that Government intends to spend $15 billion on road construction in NE in the next 5 years.

Mr. Aiyar said that the second area of collaboration of Thailand could be river transport segment. He said that with Thailand’s cooperation all three rivers i.e., the Brahmaputra, the Barak and the Kaladan can be made navigational to aid trade and transport.

Mr. Aiyar said that third area of cooperation could be the natural rubber industry. He said that the given potential of NE it is possible that in future this Region accounts for 80 percent of India’s natural rubber production.

The DoNER Minister said that the Thai and NE silk is also very similar and a collaboration is possible in this area also. He said that to promote partnership in trade, investment, technology and entrepreneurship between the people of NE and Thailand an institute will be set up in NE to teach the Thai language.

The two-day summit which concluded today saw participation of representatives of Government, business people and other delegates.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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