Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi: Will position Assam as gateway and expressway to ASEAN, BBN countries

 GUWAHATI: "Ever since work on Act East Policy began under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, economic development in the Northeast has received a tremendous impetus," said Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi at the 2nd edition of Momentum North East 2023 at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra today.

Speaking on the occasion organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Governor said, "Assam is the largest economy in the northeastern region and has enjoyed a rich historical status of being an industrial state by dint of its tea, oil and coal industry." He also said that tourism has come up as a potential economic sector. The state is bestowed with a rich cultural and natural heritage. It is home to many diverse ethnic communities offering varied and exotic tourism experiences. The state has some of the rarest wildlife species in the world along with rich flora and fauna. The Governor further said that there is huge investment potential in developing this tourism sector.

Prof Mukhi also observed that the long international border that the Northeast shares with South East Asian and BBN countries give the region a unique geographical advantage. He also said that the location of the region in the middle of the fastest emerging nations of South East Asia has enabled this region to become a link of emerging trade and commerce with these nations. Assam is central to the states of the Northeast, and the Government is working to position Assam as the gateway and the express way to ASEAN and South East Asia.

Prof. Mukhi also stated that since 2014, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the northeastern region has witnessed an unprecedented transformation. The Prime Minister's aim which is to "Act East" and 'act fast' for India's northeast, gives new hope, energy and force to the region which has brought a paradigm shift in the development in terms of connectivity, infrastructure and economy. The Governor lauded the efforts of the Prime Minister for having launched the Act East Policy with a vision to promote economic cooperation, and cultural ties and developing a strategic relationship with the ASEAN and BBN countries through continuous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

The Governor further said that in the G20 presidency from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, for creating partnerships the business communities from G20 member countries will be organizing G20 programmes across four states in Northeast India. These programmes would showcase the potential of the Northeast region for global and local investors. The event will also highlight opportunities for multilateral business partnerships in different industry sectors where the North Eastern states have core strengths.

Consul General, Royal Bhutanese Consulate General, Guwahati Jigme Thinle Namgyal, Assistant High Commissioner and Head of Mission, Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Ruhul Amin, Secretary Industries and Commerce Dr Lakshmanan S, CEO and Secretary General, PHD Chamber Saurabh Sanyal along with a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion, a press release said.

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