Chizokho Vero
Kohima | September 23
The North East Connectivity Summit which concluded here today came out with four points ‘Nagaland Declaration’ as part of the way forward for connectivity led development of the North East based on the discussions held during the last two days here.
This was announced by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Deputy Secretary General Arun Chawla at the valedictory function here.
*North East Implementation Agency
The Summit agreed that there is a need to set up a North East Implementation Agency to handle funding of the projects and also put together a team of hands- on monitoring of each project.
Further, it will coordinate with state governments and all others relevant agencies, which will implement and monitor each vertical with select private sector partners. The primary objectives of this agency will be to streamline implementation and ensure timely completion of projects including development o roads and highways, inland water transport, power, airports etc.
It will also work towards opening up connectivity routes with the neighbouring countries including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
*High Powered North East Economic Forum
A high powered forum comprised of the Chief Ministers, ministers and other relevant stakeholders could act as a think tank for synchronizing planning and efforts for development of the north east especially with respect to connectivity.
*North East Ring Road
A ring road should be developed connecting all the north eastern states which will run parallel to the international borders and would enable border logistics in a way never before possible.
The proposed road would cover a distance of around 4,000 km and could mostly follow existing road alignments wherever possible.
*Connectivity led infrastructure revolution in North East
All the state capitals in North East need 4 lane road connectivity and the ongoing 4 lanning of Dimapur- Kohima would have positive impact on the state.
In order to attract investments, the internal infrastructure of a state including roads, bridges, amenities centre etc. have to be upgraded rapidly.
NEC has dedicated 40% of its budget to development of connectivity and has developed various infrastructure across north east.
Change NE’s potential to progress: Assam MP
Gaurav Gogoi, Member of Parliament from Assam today said that the North East has a lot of potential. Speaking at the concluding session of North East Connectivity Summit with special focus on ‘Act East through Nagaland’ here, Gogoi said it is time to change from potential to progress and also convert potential into success.
He also stressed on the need to enhance the voice of the north east in the political forum and in parliament and to be able to have a kind of synergy between the parliament and the north east.
Dignitaries from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Russia and Thailand also joined this two day Summit, which was held from September 22 to 23 at NBCC Convention Centre.
The Summit was organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) with Government of Nagaland as host and supported by Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of DoNER and Ministry of Road Transport & Highway.
The whole purpose of the summit surrounded connectivity and the relevant challenges the Northeast part of the country faces.
The next summit will take place in Arunachal Pradesh in 2018.
