Sano Meru
January 18
KOHIMA (MExN): A dialogue on the North East as a regional market and economic Zone “Going beyond the Look East Policy”, was held today at the Zonal Hall with a group of visiting dignitaries from the Asian Dialogue Society with Surin Pitsuwan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand, sharing his perspective on the Look East Policy. The dialogue session was organized by the Centre of North East Studies and Policy Research, New Delhi, with the support from DONER, Government of India.
Surin Pitsuwan, former Foreign Minister of Thailand, delivering the keynote address, exhorted Nagaland to go beyond the Look East Policy by creating a ground and form relations with neighboring states and countries, which he said was most important for proper understanding on each others’ diversity and problems. He also called upon the people to be aware of the fact that integration, although beneficial, also has its own problems as each country may have its own unique problems, most common of all human trafficking, drug problems, political conflict and refugees in search of better economic opportunities in other neighboring states which might create problems for countries to be happy together as one. He called upon the state to be more open-minded to the existing problems faced by the rest, as this understanding and awareness would be vital in the process of integration.
He also highlighted the vast potentials of the NE region in natural and human resources, and appealed to the region to cooperate together as one, stressing that it would add to its attractiveness and provide more opportunities for the region. Pitsuwan also encouraged the Nagas that Thailand would warmly welcome Naga English scholars to contribute to their country which would be a tremendous opportunity for Naga youths to extend their horizon.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed hope that the deliberations would result in the formulation of concrete policies and action-plans to develop North East region as a regional market and feasible economic zone. Stressing on the fact, he said that it was high time for Nagaland to start promoting its export with the ‘Look North East Policy’ creating possibilities on turning the region as a land of opportunities. “Our vision should aim at developing our exports, not only to ASEAN countries, but also to mainland India and other parts of the globe” he said, and that there was a growing realization among the learned, younger generation on the process of economic developments and liberation. He cautioned against becoming a hostage to political struggles. Rio also spoke on the need for India to take initiative to create conducive political and social climate in relation to Myanmar by creating appropriate foreign policy with it and other ASEAN countries to be designed in such a way as to create people-to-people contact with those living at either side of the border, including social and cultural exchanges.
“We should take advantage on the fact that the people living in either side of the border are the same ethnic group , as the international boundaries follow only the natural watershed and is not based on ethnic or Nationalistic lines” he said. He further said that India should also take initiative in easing the process of issuing travel documents for maximum trade opportunities to be exploited which was vital for business people and entrepreneurs to travel freely between various countries in order to explore export potentials. He appealed for serious-mindedness in building up roads, rails, airports, IT & telecom, power, tourism, industrial and exports infrastructures in the North East Region, considering that socio-political situations including India’s economy and technology available, is different from what was half a century ago. It is highly possible for India to concentrate and make intensive investment in developing infrastructure for transport and communication in the region to enable and induce trade through the region, he said.
He also spoke on the Nagas’ mastery over the English language which would enable them to provide services in terms of education and health care facilities to neighboring countries and also in the process, learn other foreign languages, so that educated youths would become more exportable.
Earlier in the programme Lalhuma, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner chaired the occasion and also delivered the opening address. Sanjoy Hazarika, Managing Trustee CNE-S, New Delhi also echoed the same perspective as Pitsuwan’s on the potential of NE region as an economic zone and positive outcome from being united. Neichute Doulo, Coordinator, EA, Nagaland also delivered a speech on the topic ‘What matters to me’ on the Look East Policy. The South East Asian Teams Also shared their perspectives, followed by discussions.
