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Despite being rich with abundant natural resources, fertile land and geo-strategic advantage, Northeast (NE) India is yet to become a favoured investment destination. As a result, most of the region remains underdeveloped in comparison to mainland India. Furthermore, the porous Indo-Bengal border has also complicated the situation in many ways. The situation can only be remedied with speedy economic development, which requires both public and private sectors to generously invest in the region. It’s a pity that for years the NE region has been denied its rightful share of development, as investors have shied away due to pre-conceived notions about the region.
Time has come to change the negative outlook of the Northeastern region as it has made visible progress in two important fronts. Firstly, barring Manipur, it is relatively much more peaceful in the northeast region than ever before, offering investors a golden opportunity to make fresh beginnings in the land of seven sisters. Most groups which have been demanding redressal of their grievances have either entered into a pact with the government or are negotiating with New Delhi. As ceasefires are being observed between warring sides, time is ripe to think differently about the Northeast. Secondly, infrastructural facilities and connectivity in the Northeast have improved significantly over the years, successfully reducing the infrastructural gap and geographical distance between the mainland and the region. With many more undergoing rail and road projects, it will become further easier to establish business links with the Northeast. An air service has also been initiated from the region for speedy transportation of NE products to various parts of the country and has already achieved notable success. With the tri-nation highway between India, Myanmar and Thailand nearing completion, business opportunities with south-east Asian countries will be further enhanced as the highway will help to reopen many traditional links between the NE and ASEAN countries.
Investors should start taking interest in the Northeastern region without delay. The region offers huge potential to investors willing to venture onto new paths. With its rich natural wealth, the Northeast region provides abundant scope for energy, mining and manufacturing sectors. At the same time, the region has huge potential in agriculture and horticulture sectors if necessary financial and technical support is provided. The Northeast can prove to be a goldmine for those interested in investing in the tourism sector. Apart from mountains, jungles and wildlife, the region possesses rich cultural heritage. At present, the tourist inflow in the region is growing but limited, however it will surely pick up with better connectivity and quality accommodation facilities. There is tremendous opportunity to be explored and tapped in India’s emerging Northeast region.