Northeast powerhouse of untapped potential — Rio

Three-day business conclave of 8 Northeast states begins

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday said the Northeast India is not just a collection of states but a powerhouse of untapped potential, and that the interconnectedness, both in terms of geography and culture, offers a unique opportunity to collaborate and thrive together.

He was addressing the inaugural programme of the 1st Northeastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Conclave hosted by Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, on Monday.

The three-day conclave, which is attended by business bodies from all the eight northeastern states, will conclude on September 20.

Congratulating the organisers for instituting the business conclave of all the northeastern states, the CM said it will pave the way for great things to happen in the coming months and years.

“This gathering marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey as a region, and it is an honour to have all of you here, representing the diverse and vibrant economies of the North Eastern States,” he told the gathering.

Asserting that commerce and industry play a pivotal role in development of a nation, he said the formation of the Confederation of North East States Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CoNESCCI) marks the collective aspirations and potential of the northeastern states.

He said the Act East Policy will provide a golden opportunity to tap into the immense potential of trade and investment, he urged the NE states to come together to explore innovative ways to leverage this policy for the benefit of the region.

He also urged the participants not to confine themselves to discussions and presentations during the conclave but actively network their goal and form collaborations that can be translated into actionable points.

“Let us identify areas where we can complement each other’s strengths and create a roadmap for future cooperation,” he said.

“The Northeast has much to contribute towards India’s rise and growth, and we must create platforms and opportunities for our people, especially our youth to not only succeed but also contribute towards the nation building process,” he added.

On Nagaland’s prospect

Speaking on investment in the state, Rio stressed the need to ‘relax land laws, frame regulations for leasing land, create land banks and introduce mechanisms to boost the confidence of investors’.

He said such steps are necessary ‘particularly in the foothill areas of Nagaland that has better communication and mostly plain areas which are suitable for economic activities’.

He reminded that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had adopted a resolution in 2014 for establishment of Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ) after thorough consultations with the tribal hohos and civil society organisations with an object to pave way for investment and industrialisation by creating a congenial environment for investors to enter the state.

‘Any landowner, village or CSOs who are willing can approach the government to formulate regulations and ensure early implementation of government decisions on resolutions which was passed on March 24, 2014, where cadastral survey and land patta can be issued for the government to create a land bank to give lease to the industrialist or interested investors for a long period up to 99 years,’ he said.

He went on to say that in order to formulate regulations and ensure early implementation of the decision, the state government had notified a ministerial committee headed by the chief minister and a high-powered committee headed by the chief secretary on September 6, 2023.

These committees will review the existing state laws, orders and instructions with a view to amending them to make the NSDZ project viable and effective, and finally bring about a master plan for the zone for effective implementation, he said.

“Let us collaboratively craft policies that guarantee the responsible extraction and processing rich natural resources. In doing so, we can foster employment opportunities, invigorate our economies, all the while safeguarding our distinctive natural heritage,” he continued.

Also speaking at the inaugural programme, Sunil Jeevrajji Singhi, Chairman of National Traders Welfare Board (NTWB), said the board will identify policy measures for the welfare of traders and their employees, suggest simplification in the acts and rules applicable to traders, make recommendations to reduce the compliance burden of traders, and to improve access to funds for traders.

Convenor of CoNESCCI, Rupam Goswami, who is also chairman of Assam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered the keynote address.

The participants of the conclave are: 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, Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chamber of Trade and Business Tripura.

Read more: High time to tap state’s natural resources, says Nagaland Chief Minister Rio