New Delhi: Assam's Act East Policy Affairs Minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary, attended the inauguration of the “Act East through Northeast 2.0 - The Round Table Conference on Inter Country Economic Corridor through North East of India for Inclusive Growth” in Guwahati on Friday.
Continuing the success of the previous conclave in 2022, the second phase of this roundtable conference, organised by the Assam Act East Policy Affairs Department, aims to capitalise on the fresh opportunities presented by the Act East Policy for the northeast region.
It also aims to establish a strategic framework for enhancing economic and cultural ties with Southeast Asian nations, with a special focus on strengthening bilateral relations with neighbouring Bangladesh and Bhutan, as per the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Assam.
In his keynote speech, Minister Patowary praised the Act East Policy, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for revitalising India's engagement with its eastern neighbours. He highlighted the newfound cooperation in trade, transit, and water resources management with Bangladesh and Bhutan. The minister also stressed the rapid development of infrastructure in Assam and the northeast, including roads, regional airways, railways, waterways, and internet connectivity, which have placed the region on a path of high growth.
“Assam and the northeast are witnessing rapid development in road infrastructure, regional airways connectivity, railways, waterways and shipping and internet connectivity. The Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the region to high growth trajectory with the implementation of the Act East Policy and northeast is acting as India’s bridge with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Southeast Asia (SE) countries. The Assam government is deeply committed to harnessing these natural endowments and transforming the state into an economic hub,” the minister said.
Patowary underlined the commitment of the Assam government to leverage these natural advantages and transform the state into an economic powerhouse.
He emphasised the focus on creating a conducive business environment, easing the process of doing business, and developing top-notch infrastructure to attract both domestic and international investors. Various sectors such as agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, tourism, and information technology were identified as ripe for investment, supported by a young, skilled workforce and favourable government policies.
The conference also featured special addresses by distinguished speakers, including the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati, Ruhul Amin, and the Secretary of Assam Act East Policy Affairs Department, Manvendra Pratap Singh. Notable speakers such as the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, and representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs and Northeast Frontier Railway.