Gateway to Global Markets: Northeast India's Exports via Bangladesh's Chittagong Port, Says HM Shah
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Agartala, Dec 21 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized on Saturday that any products originating from Northeast India can be seamlessly exported to global markets through the Chittagong international port in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the ‘North East Bankers' Conclave’ held here, he declared that the northeastern region serves as India’s export gateway.
“A few years ago, the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, facilitated the exchange of enclaves with Bangladesh, resulting in improved waterway connectivity with the neighboring Chittagong seaport. Exporting products from the northeast through the Chittagong port would significantly reduce transportation costs,” the Home Minister remarked.
According to the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 1974 and the Protocol of 2011, 51 former Bangladeshi enclaves in India and 111 former Indian enclaves in Bangladesh were transferred to the respective countries effective from midnight on July 31, 2015.
The Home Minister advocated for distinct banking parameters and separate RBI guidelines tailored for the northeast for various types of funding, including infrastructure, agriculture, MSMEs, and personal loans.
“Uniform banking parameters and RBI guidelines for the northeast and other regions should not exist. The northeastern area possesses vast potential. Financial institutions must recognize this to foster its economic and holistic development,” he stated.
He also mentioned that a strong ecosystem for commerce and industries is being established in the northeast by enhancing the banking sector.
Noting that Prime Minister Modi has prioritized the development of the northeast, Shah mentioned that the PM has visited the region 65 times, and on his direction, Union Ministers have made over 700 visits in the past decade.
Highlighting that India has progressed to the fifth position in the global economy from the previous 11th place, Shah asserted that the nation is poised to become the third-largest global economy soon.
Present at the event were DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, his deputy Sukanta Majumdar, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and high-ranking officials from the central government and banking sectors.
Earlier on Saturday, during the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), the Union Home Minister mentioned that with the reduction of militancy in the northeastern region, it is time for a shift in the approach of security forces and others to advance the region and enhance the well-being of its people.
The Home Minister serves as the Chairman of the NEC, with the DoNER Minister as Vice-Chairman of the regional planning body.
Shah noted that since the Modi government took office, 20 accords have been signed to promote peace and harmony among the northeastern states, leading to the surrender of 10,574 cadres from various militant groups across the region.
“Connectivity is no longer an issue in the northeastern region. The Modi government has allocated ₹81,000 crore for numerous railway projects and ₹41,000 crore for the road network in the northeastern states,” he asserted.
Shah concluded by stating that the Modi administration is committed to its 'Act East, Act Fast, and Act First' strategy, working to transform the northeastern region into a vibrant center for economic growth and cultural exchange.
