IMPHAL | Nov 22: The two-day business summit of Northeast India and Association for South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries concluded today at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound signing 39 agreements worth Rs. 4000-5000 crores.
Chief minister N. Biren in the valedictory function said that the summit was an effort to showcase and explore the potential of North East India in establishing itself as a hub of India’s Act East Policy.
He contended that the summit also marked the beginning of the government as well as the private companies’ commitment towards collective efforts of building partnerships to address the aspirations of the people by unlocking the full potential of the State.
The positive outcomes from this summit would transform the business and development environment of the Northeast region in general and Manipur in particular, he added.
Out of the 39 memorandum of understandings (MoUs) signed today; the state forest department signed four MoUs – two with HSMM Group for Agarwood plantation and production of essential oil, commercial production of orchids and essential oils.
The department also signed MoU with NRL for production of biofuels from bamboo and with TRIFED for minimum support prices for minor forest produces.
Higher education department signed MoU with M/s UNESCO Center (UK) for setting up a private university in Manipur. Finance department signed MoU with INDO SWISS Centre (Switzerland) for facilitating attracting investment, trade, tourism.
Agriculture department signed MoU with MSTC for e-marketing of agricultural produces from Manipur. Tourism department signed MoU with Lao PDR for development of tourism. Tourism department also signed MoU with M/s Star Track Business House Pvt Ltd Mumbai for infrastructure development project for Rs. 50 crore.
Manipur Police Housing Corporation (MPHC) signed MoU with M/s Fitzroy Salai Holdings, Kolkata for Cable Car Project.
With the signing of these MoUs, the chief minister expressed hope that both the state as well as the investors will be benefited with great return.
The valedictory function was also attended by health minister, L. Jayantakumar, DoNER secretary Naveen Verma, Union tourism secretary, Rashmi Verma, Keirao A/C MLA, L. Rameshwor, Manipur Infrastructure and Development Agency (MIDA) vice-chairman, M. Asnikumar and additional chief secretary (home) and MIDA chief executive officer, J. Suresh Babu attended the function as presidium members.
The historic event for the state and the region as a whole was held as part of Sangai festival for business development of the state. It had five sessions focusing on areas of trade and investment, connectivity and infrastructure development, tourism development in the region, skill development, capacity building and entrepreneurship.
The summit was organised by India Foundation in collaboration with the government of Manipur. It was inaugurated yesterday by the President of the nation, Ramnath Kovind Singh.
Source: Imphal Free Press
