Dimapur, Nov. 27 (EMN): State Governor PB Acharya has suggested strengthening connectivity of North East with the ASEAN region in order to promote trade, culture, people to people contacts and physical infrastructure. He was of the view that with right focus on the development of connectivity, infrastructure and cooperation with the neighbouring countries, Nagaland ould become one of the trading/economic hubs connecting ASEAN countries.
The Governor said this while addressing the North East Governor’s Conclave with Minster for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, at New Delhi on November 23.
On development and connectivity, the Governor stated that increase in trade with neighbouring countries is possible if the state has good road connectivity. He felt that once the ongoing construction of 4-lane road between Kohima and Dimapur is complete, it would open up smooth connectivity for the state as well as other regions.
“Opening new and reactivating dormant trade routes as well as facilitating border trade and transit points will not only boost ties between neighbouring countries but also improve the economic condition of the State,” PRO statement said quoting the Governor.
Acharya also said that the youth are on an advantageous position because of English medium education. He said youth with proper skill training could be a strong service provider to South East Asian countries.
To promote ties with the ASEAN countries, the Governor also suggested cultural exchange programmes with South East Asian countries. He stated that North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, could play nodal role in this regard where nearly 5000 performing artists teams have been registered with NEZCC from all the eight NAMASTE States’ (N - Nagaland, A – Arunachal Pradesh, M – Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, A – Assam, S – Sikkim , T - Tripura, and E-East ).
The Governor also felt that efforts should be made for setting up special economic zones. He said Nagaland needs to be developed as an export-hub so that it can link up with India’s neighbourhood in South and South East Asia. He said that Nagaland produces the best bamboo products at cheaper prices due to the availability of raw material as well as manpower, while floriculture has emerged as a major business option for unemployed youth of Nagaland and getting good annual turnover from its export.
Acharya also felt that education and healthcare facilities in border areas were important to forge greater ties between India and ASEAN countries. He has suggested setting up schools and colleges under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode on border areas to cater to border area people as well as for those living across the border. Besides, he has suggested setting up nursing homes, orphanages, old age homes, skill training centres in border areas for the betterment of the people living on the border.
The meeting was attended by all Governors of the North East states and covered various points to forge greater ties between India and ASEAN countries under the Act East Policy.
