The ministry of development of the north eastern region (MDoNER) successfully organised the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Kolkata today. The event commenced on a highly positive and promising note, capturing significant attention, and attracting a substantial number of participants. Minister of state, ministry of development of north eastern region B L Verma, and senior government officials from the ministry and the states from the northeast were present on the occasion.

Minister Verma spoke about the developments that the northeastern region has witnessed over the past 9 years. He elaborated on how the region is poised to achieve many more milestones as an upcoming investment hub in various sectors that present immense opportunities for trade and commerce. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had named the region as ‘Ashtalakshmi as he aims to advance the development of northeast further in terms of growth trajectory.

He mentioned that connectivity in the northeast has undergone a revolutionary change, with the states now connected by road, railways, airways, and digitally, making connectivity even more accessible with 17 operational airports and 20 waterways already in operation. The minister pointed out that there are immense opportunities in the sectors of power, connectivity, agriculture, education, health, textiles, sports and tourism etc., to look forward to, and investors must visit to gain an understanding of these opportunities.

He highlighted that the border villages in the northeast are now given the utmost priority of the first villages, rather than the erstwhile image of them being considered the last villages of the country. He also emphasized on the coining of the concept of ‘vibrant villages,’ which are regularly visited by the ministers and the senior officials from the Centre thus adding to the betterment of their socio-cultural structure, considering their tourism and geographical advantages.

Chanchal Kumar, secretary of the ministry of development of northeastern region, addressed the gathering and stated that the northeast is the growth engine of India. He emphasized the remarkable progress in the region, adding that connectivity has been a major force driving this development and will continue to grow, encompassing roads, railways, airways, and digital connectivity.