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Shillong, March 15 (PTI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Saturday that the Centre has accorded required attention to the Northeast, which is paving way for concerted development and growth in the region.
Addressing 'The Meghalayan Age' tourism conclave at Thadlaskein, he said the programme is part of the state's efforts to an provide opportunity to visitors to experience Meghalaya.
The chief minister stressed on the need to explore the possibility of working collaboratively with the neighbouring countries in the field of tourism, and boosting cultural and economic ties.
"We have realised the potential we have with our immediate neighbour Bangladesh. The country is moving very fast, they have a growth rate of almost 8 per cent, their GDP is nearly USD 400 billion. We have to look at the opportunity next door and build relations that would economically benefit our people," Sangma said.
The chief minister said that his government is working towards attracting investments and ensure a sustainable development model of growth.
He said plans are being formulated on models to boost luxury tourism that would be remunerative for the people of the state and also ensure that Meghalaya becomes a sought- after tourism destination, not only in the country but globally.
Union minister Jitendra Singh, who was present at programme, said that the event was scaled down in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
He said that in the last five years, the Centre has provided adequate thrust for creating better infrastructure and promote the development of Northeast.
"Prior to the formation of the NDA government, the budget of the North Eastern Council was around Rs 700 crore, however, we have increased it to about INR 1,400 crore. We have different plans to promote and ensure the welfare of the region," said the minister of state (independent charge) for the development of north eastern region.