STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: In reply to a question in Lok Sabha here on Wednesday, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS in PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that in the light of several competitive advantages and close proximity with Bangladesh, Myanmar and other South East Asian countries, the North-Eastern Region of India is endowed with immense trade potential and the Ministry of DoNER will do everything to develop the region as ‘Asian Trade Hub’. He said, ever since he took over the charge of the ministry two weeks ago, he has initiated a number of measures including release of funds for various projects in the eight North-eastern States as well as regular interaction with MPs and experts from Northeast.
Singh observed that 96 per cent of the North Eastern Region has long international border with at least four neighbouring countries and is also connected through several overland routes. The Union Government is taking several steps for development of road and port projects in Myanmar, improvement of customs facilities at the Indo-Myanmar border, development of road and rail connectivity with Bangladesh to access sea ports and appropriate customs facilities at the Indo-Bangladesh, he added.
Ministry of DoNER and Planning Commission, according to Dr Jitendra Singh, have also taken the initiative to project recent developments made in North-Eastern region through ‘North East Business Summit’ by highlighting the upcoming opportunities with the objective to invite domestic and foreign entrepreneurs to engage with North Eastern markets. This will not only supplement the economy in this region but will also enhance employment opportunities for youth in the region, he added.
Singh said, while the North Eastern Region of India is blessed with natural resources, the Ministry of DoNER also continuously focuses on the development of the region and also seeks help from other Union Ministries, thus leading to substantial improvement in intra-regional connectivity, social as well as physical infrastructure and capacity of human resources.
