1st conclave of Northeast business community concludes; obsolete policies should be reviewed, say leaders

DIMAPUR — The Confederation of North Eastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CoNESCCI) has resolved to submit first hand report of policies that are not in the interest of the Northeast region to the concerned authorities for review.

Addressing a press conference after the closing ceremony of 1st North Eastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Conclave held at Niathu Resort in Chümoukedima, on Wednesday, the leaders of business bodies from the NE states said that policies that were framed particularly for the region but aren’t helping the people should be reviewed.

There are some old policies that are not applicable today but no sign of framing new policy, they said.

When a policy is adopted, it has to involve the people and their interest, they said, adding that they want the government to revise the policy in consultation with the organisations that speak for the business community.

During the business session of the three-day conclave, the participants also formed a committee of Confederation of North Eastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CoNESCCI) and another committee to draft its constitution.

The leaders of the business bodies told journalists that the main objective of the CoNESCCI is to uplift the NE states to a greater height by producing entrepreneurs instead of job seekers. They added that they came together to voice the pressing concerns and scrutinise if the adopted policies are really helping the people of the Northeast people.

The conclave was attended by representatives of Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Assam Chamber of Commerce, Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mizoram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), and Chamber of Trade and Business Tripura.

Special Economic Development Zone

When asked about issues related to special economic development zone (SEDZ) in Nagaland, President of CNCCI, Khekugha Muru, replied that it has been discussed for years but won’t head anywhere until and unless the people foray into industries and commerce.

He suggested the government to come to an agreement with the landowners and come up with modalities. He added that they are with the state government on the SEDZ but on the condition that they stick to Article 371 A.

Muru also expressed the need to bridge the distrust between the people of Nagaland and the government.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, who is also advisor to the chief minister, stressed the need for government and policy implementers to use the modern technology to the max to ensure better delivery mechanism.

Asserting that technology has changed the way people conduct their lives, he said it has made the life easier. He said the government is working towards ensuring equitable development across the state and to create opportunities for youngsters in all fields.

The geography of NE was once a weakness but it has turned into our strength, said Metha, adding that the region has a huge potential in tourism sector. This dynamic, he said, has the potential to change the economy of the region.

He went on to urge the participants to make efforts towards contributing and becoming the economic asset of the country.

Northeast should not compete with each other; collaboration should be our mantra, wherein we identity each other’s strengths, understand each other’s weakness, and overcome the differences that divide us, he added.

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