Rising Northeast: The Investor Summit
The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) is organizing the "Rising Northeast: The Investor Summit" in Delhi, featuring prominent leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief ministers of all eight states of the region. This event aims to highlight investment potential and developmental activities in the northeastern region of India.
Historical Context
- Post-Independence, the region faced insurgency challenges with groups like the Naga and Mizo separatists until the 1980s.
- Movements in Assam, such as ULFA and NDFB, arose, demanding autonomy or sovereignty.
- Infiltration from Bangladesh led to security concerns, culminating in the Assam Accord of 1985.
Policy Initiatives
- The Narasimha Rao government initiated the Look East policy to enhance relations with South and Southeast Asia.
- The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government established the DoNER ministry in 2001.
- The Narendra Modi government upgraded the policy to Act East in 2014, recognizing the Northeast as a strategic pivot.
Development Initiatives
- Infrastructure development has been a focus, with 4,950 km of National Highways constructed and over $5 billion invested.
- The North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) was launched in 2018 with a billion-dollar budget.
Strategic Importance and Potential
- The region shares 5,484 km of international borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (China).
- Projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Sittwe Port in Myanmar aim to enhance trade opportunities.
Key Areas for Investment
- Renewable Energy: The region has over 40% of India's hydropower potential, yet only 6.9% is tapped. Solar and wind energy also offer opportunities.
- Tourism: With unique attractions like Kaziranga National Park and root bridges in Meghalaya, the region has vast tourism potential.
- Human Resource Development: High literacy rates and English proficiency offer an advantage, but there is a need for skill development.
Conclusion
The Investor Summit seeks to offer a vision for development based on the region's inherent strengths. Prioritization of investments in renewable energy, tourism, and human resources is crucial for sustainable growth.
