The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) organized the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai on Wednesday, drawing significant attention from investors keen on exploring the vast opportunities available across India’s North Eastern States.
The roadshow, which sought to showcase the region’s growing economic landscape, was inaugurated by Union Minister for MDoNER and Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram, and senior officials from MDoNER, the North Eastern Council, and various North Eastern states.
Scindia delivered an insightful address, emphasizing the strategic importance of the North Eastern Region in India’s economic future. Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of the North East as “India’s Asthalakshmi,” Scindia underscored the region’s growing significance as an economic powerhouse with immense potential for rapid industrialization.
He reflected on the progress made over the last decade in improving the region’s infrastructure, including expanded air, road, rail, and waterway connectivity, which have made the North East more accessible and open to business opportunities.
Scindia highlighted that each of the eight states of the North East has unique strengths, resources, and potential, contributing significantly to India’s broader economic goals. He pointed out that the region’s rich cultural diversity, abundant natural resources, and its strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia offer immense opportunities.
Aligning with India’s Act East Policy, the region is well-positioned to enhance trade, business, and cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries.
The Union Minister also outlined the investment opportunities available in several sectors, including tourism, agriculture, healthcare, sports and entertainment, textiles, handlooms and handicrafts, energy, and IT & ITeS.
A key highlight of Scindia’s address was the potential of the North Eastern states in the bamboo industry, as the region holds 38% of India’s bamboo resources.
This offers an exceptional opportunity for industries, particularly furniture manufacturing, to harness this valuable resource.
Additionally, Scindia pointed to the untapped hydrocarbon reserves and the vast hydropower generation potential of the region, which present substantial avenues for future growth and investment.
Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram, spoke about his state’s promising investment landscape.
Despite Mizoram being a relatively small state with a population of just 11 lakh, Hmar highlighted the significant potential within its agriculture and food processing sectors. With 55% of the state’s land under horticulture, Mizoram produces GI-tagged ginger and chillies, as well as other fruits such as mandarin oranges, papayas, and dragon fruit, which offer great potential for export.
Hmar also discussed Mizoram’s growing role in sports, mentioning the state’s alignment with India’s 2036 Olympic vision, which is positioning it as a sports powerhouse. He encouraged investors to explore opportunities in tourism, infrastructure, food processing, and other sectors within the state.
Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of MDoNER, provided further insights into the investment opportunities in the North East, describing the region as a hub of innovation and economic opportunity.
He highlighted the remarkable improvements in connectivity and infrastructure over the past decade, which have transformed the region into an increasingly attractive destination for business.
Kumar also mentioned the government’s efforts to enhance the tourism sector by identifying eight key tourist destinations across the North Eastern States for development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
The region’s fast-growing IT & ITeS sector, alongside unique agricultural products and handicrafts, makes it a promising destination for investors.
Shantanu, Joint Secretary at MDoNER, spoke on the advantages of investing in the North Eastern Region, focusing on its strategic location, improved infrastructure, and young, educated workforce.
He noted that the region is particularly well-suited for businesses targeting Southeast Asian markets due to its enabling infrastructure, connectivity, and workforce demographics.
Shantanu encouraged investors to explore a wide range of sectors, including IT & ITeS, healthcare, agriculture, education, sports and entertainment, textiles, and energy, all of which offer significant growth opportunities.
A key feature of the event was a detailed presentation on the UNNATI Scheme by a representative from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The UNNATI Scheme, which aims to promote industrialization and economic growth in the North East, offers a variety of incentives to attract investors and support manufacturing activities.
The scheme is aligned with India’s Act East Policy and seeks to bolster domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and enhance exports.
Senior officials from the North Eastern States shared their perspectives on the region’s economic transformation and emerging opportunities.
The roadshow attracted strong participation from Chennai’s business community, further cementing the North East’s appeal as a key destination for future investments.
The event concluded on a positive note, with many investors expressing keen interest in exploring collaborative ventures with businesses in the North Eastern Region.
The roadshow, part of a broader series of successful initiatives led by MDoNER, provided a platform for fruitful discussions and partnerships aimed at driving economic growth and sustainable development in the region.
It marked a significant step toward unlocking the full potential of the North Eastern states, ensuring their continued contribution to India’s economic success.
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