Agartala, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, on Friday highlighted the importance of fostering industries that make use of the state's abundant raw materials.

The Chief Minister remarked that, to achieve this, "we must embrace innovative thinking and implement new strategies".

Saha chaired a review meeting with the state-run Tripura Small Industries Corporation (TSIC) at the Civil Secretariat.

He pointed out the availability of forest resources, pineapples, tea, rubber, and a variety of other agricultural products, stating that these should be effectively harnessed.

"Given the current circumstances, our focus should shift towards the production of eco-friendly and biodegradable products," Saha added.

The Chief Minister announced plans to establish an auction center aimed at exporting more pineapples from the state to external markets.

Furthermore, he proposed organizing a pineapple festival and encouraged TSIC officials to take steps towards establishing a matchmaking and spice-making factory within the state.

During the review meeting, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma and TSIC Chairman and MLA Shambhu Lal Chakma updated the Chief Minister on the corporation's activities and future plans.

Also present at the meeting were Industries and Commerce Secretary Kiran Gitte, Chief Minister's Secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, Finance Secretary Apurba Roy, along with the TSIC MD and other officials.

In a separate meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is prioritizing the development of all societal sections.

Saha noted that the Scheduled Caste Cooperative Development Corporation plays a crucial role in fostering self-sufficiency and progress within the Scheduled Caste community, which has not been effectively utilized in the past.

The current state government is dedicated to operating it with transparency, according to Saha.

An official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) reported that during the meeting, Saha stated that the Corporation is vital for enhancing the living conditions of the SC community in the state.

He instructed officials to enhance the Corporation’s development through strategic planning, modern management, and a compassionate approach. The Chief Minister was also informed about the Corporation’s comprehensive programs and its present status.

At the beginning of the meeting, TSIC’s Managing Director, Jayanta Dey, presented a detailed report illustrating the Corporation’s history and current operations.

He revealed that the Corporation previously lacked a Board of Directors, but one has now been established, comprising eight members and three officials.