DoNER Minister Emphasizes Multimodal Connectivity in NE Region and Beyond
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Synopsis
On April 23, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to boost multimodal connectivity in the northeastern region of India. During a virtual meeting, he discussed strategies to develop trade infrastructure and enhance economic growth, while promoting regional cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening critical infrastructure is essential for effective multimodal connectivity.
- The NEEC initiative aims to position northeast India as a vibrant commerce hub.
- Regional cooperation with other Asian countries is crucial for growth.
- Focus on key sectoral clusters like bamboo and agriculture.
- Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a priority for the NER.
New Delhi/Aizawl, April 23 (NationPress) Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday reiterated the necessity of enhancing critical infrastructure to improve multimodal connectivity within the northeastern region and across international borders.
During a high-level 'North-East Economic Corridor (NEEC)' task force virtual meeting, the DoNER minister also underscored the importance of developing trade infrastructure in border areas to position northeast India as a dynamic hub for commerce and industry.
The inaugural meeting of the High Level Task Force on the North East Economic Corridor (NEEC) took place virtually on Wednesday, led by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who acts as the Convener of the Task Force on NEEC.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and senior officials from Manipur and Assam participated in the virtual meeting from their respective state capitals. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the importance of the northeast region in India’s economic progression and stressed the need to enhance regional cooperation with other Asian countries to foster rapid and inclusive growth.
He noted that the establishment of the High Level Task Force on NEEC aims to evaluate the current economic, infrastructure, and investment landscape in the NER, spotlighting critical sectors to devise strategies for attracting both public and private sector investment, while aligning the goals of the North East Economic Corridor with measurable short-term, medium-term, and long-term milestones.
An official statement from the Mizoram government described the NEEC under the Ministry of DoNER as a transformative initiative aimed at boosting connectivity, trade, and economic advancement in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India.
This initiative prioritizes enhancing intra-regional connectivity through the development of ports, road networks, airports, railways, digital infrastructure, and power facilities.
It also emphasizes the promotion of key sectoral clusters such as sericulture, agarwood, bamboo, rubber, tea, and agriculture, including high-value crops like kiwi and pineapple.
By establishing growth and border centers, the NEEC aims to leverage local potential, evaluate existing industries, respond to market demands, and identify strategic zones for development, thereby also fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the NER.
The Mizoram Chief Minister was joined by state Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena and other senior officials. Previously, the Ministry of DoNER had established several High Level Task Forces (HLTFs) focused on various sectors with Chief Ministers of the northeastern states as members.
The HLTFs were formed following the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) conducted in November last year in Agartala, Tripura.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who chairs the NEC, presided over the NEC plenary session.
