B20 a catalyst for economic growth, hopes government

April 6, 2023 33 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 6

With more than 250 ethnic communities and languages, diversity as the biggest strength of the Northeast people.

This was said by Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India during a press briefing following the inaugural session of the B20 Conference at the State Banquet hall, Kohima this morning.

However, he said, this strength of the Northeast region has not been explored and tapped as it should have been. Terming the B20 Conference as a great opportunity for the Northeast region, he emphasized that this event should be a catalyst to scientifically explore the rich resources for economic growth of the region.

The NE has transformed from being ‘landlocked’ to ‘land-linked’, Dr. Singh said, adding that all efforts are on to construct all weather roads along all international border areas with the idea of delivering development to the last mile.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said taking advantage of the presence of a large contingent of international delegates, the government has made elaborate arrangements, not only to showcase investment and partnership opportunities in the state, but also provide a unique experience for visiting delegates with an exposure to Nagaland’s culture, cuisine, art, festivities and scenic beauty.

He exuded confidence that Nagaland with its strategic location will derive a number of benefits from the B20 Conference and will help in developing Nagaland as a base for boosting links with the ASEAN countries in addition to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Japan.

The trade potentiality of the state lies in its strength in agro and forest based, mining and minerals based and services based industries such as tourism and information technology, said Rio.

He also maintained that with close ties between the North East and Bangladesh, Nagaland is all set to benefit from this co-operation.

With the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) led by Abdul Matlub Ahmad who has come with a large business delegation from Bangladesh to this B20 conference, Rio was hopeful that this would also provide a window for interaction with the local entrepreneurs to strengthen business ties and make a strong case for greater commercial activities across the borders.

Nagaland, he said looks forward to a potential tie-up in the area of tourism, IT, agriculture and infrastructure development especially from leading nations in these areas like Japan, Indonesia, the European nations, South America and the UAE.

“We are confident that this B20 Conference which has provided the platform for collaboration and partnerships will usher new opportunities for the people of Nagaland,” stated Rio.

Kohima is witnessing the convergence of 60 overseas delegates from 27 countries, including delegates from Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The diplomatic delegations include — five Ambassador from Cuba, Iceland, Jamaica, Paraguay and Panama; one Deputy Head of Missions from Estonia and two Counsel Generals from Costa Rica and Germany.

And as part of the programme, the CII is also facilitating Business to Business and Business to Government meetings. Visiting overseas business delegates are getting the opportunity to interact with the local industry during the B2B and with the Government in the B2G sessions for potential investment, collaboration and tie-ups.

Rio also informed that the delegations are being taken to the landmarks of the state including the Kisama Heritage Village for a mini Hornbill festival today and the Kohima War Cemetery on April 6.