Kohima, Jan 18 (DIPR): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio says there is a possibility of the North East turning into a land of opportunities and it is emerging as the most viable over land trade road between the fast growing economies of India and South East Asia.
Addressing a seminar on the North East as a Regional Market and economic zone: going beyond the look east policy - in the Zonal council hall in Kohima today, Rio expressed hope that the North East Region, endowed with rich natural resources may one day dominate the world economy.
In this connection Rio felt that India should take the initial advantages before it is wrested away by others.
He said that definite action plans should be adopted urgently for promoting North East as the preferred trade road between India and the Asian countries.
Stating that the region has long been neglected due to historical and geographical inhibiting factors, the Chief Minister said that Centre should concentrate and make intensive investment in developing the infrastructures for transport and communication in the North East region to induce trade through the region.
He said, investment in the region should focus on areas where there is comparative advantages. To open up closer socio-economic ties with Myanmar, the immediate neighbour of India and other South East Asian countries, there is an imperative need to create conducive political and social climate with them, Rio said.
Rio further said although insurgency in various parts of the North East was acting as an inhibiting factor at the moment, this could not be considered as a major stumbling block to the development of the region saying economic development cannot be held a hostage to political struggles.
