Mumbai: In a strategic push to position India’s Northeast as the country’s next economic powerhouse, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, chaired a high-profile meeting with industry magnates in Mumbai today. The gathering, attended by prominent business leaders such as Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, Kumarmangalam Birla of Aditya Birla Group, and representatives from the Tata Group, focused on unlocking investment opportunities across the eight Northeastern states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
The discussions honed in on region-specific growth sectors, including agro-based industries, textiles, and tourism, which Scindia identified as critical drivers of economic progress. “Our aim is to develop the Northeast into India’s growth region by integrating all eight states into a unified development framework,” Scindia declared, emphasising the government’s vision to transform the region into a vibrant economic hub. He underscored the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable development, urging industry leaders to seize the region’s untapped potential.
The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region reported enthusiastic responses from the business tycoons, who expressed keen interest in exploring investment prospects. To bolster this momentum, Scindia outlined several MDoNER initiatives, including the formation of a High-Level Task Force comprising the Chief Ministers of all eight Northeastern states to streamline development efforts. Additionally, the establishment of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in each state aims to facilitate investor engagement and expedite project implementation. These measures, Scindia noted, reflect the government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly ecosystem in the region.
Dharmvir Jha, Statistical Advisor at MDoNER, presented a detailed overview of investment opportunities, backed by data highlighting the region’s unique strengths, such as its rich biodiversity, strategic geographic location bordering Southeast Asia, and growing tourism potential. Jha’s presentation underscored the diverse economic prospects, from organic farming and food processing to handicrafts and adventure tourism, tailored to each state’s distinct advantages.
The meeting sets the stage for the Rising Northeast Summit 2025, scheduled for May 23-24 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This landmark event will bring together policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to further catalyse the region’s economic transformation. Scindia emphasised that the summit will serve as a platform to showcase the Northeast’s potential and forge partnerships that align with the government’s goal of inclusive growth.
With the government’s strategic vision and industry’s growing interest, the Northeast is poised to emerge as a dynamic contributor to India’s economic landscape, leveraging its cultural richness and natural resources to fuel sustainable development, Ministry officials said.
– global bihari bureau
