Thannganing Hungyo
Dimapur | June 24
NAGALAND HAS the vast potentiality of offering what Thailand has set its eyes on as it prepares to open economic relations with the Northeast- the horticulture and tourism sectors. Thai commerce minister Kirk Krai Jirapaet, according to reports, today sounded his country’s assurance in providing assistance to heighten infrastructural, horticultural and tourism development in the region at a special meet in Shillong, with Union Doner minister Mani Shankar Aiyar in attendance.
Placing importance on horticulture and tourism industries, he said, “These are also our major industries. We have the same interest, but we can compete and complement each other to boost the economy.”
Aiyar, on his end, hoped that the Thai side would provide arrangements for holding sectors-specific business meetings between both countries.
Nagaland Industries Minister H Khekiho Zhimomi sees the possibility of growth of industries in Nagaland basing on the availability of raw materials. “The main agenda is how we link up investors in our potential areas,” he told The Morung Express.
According to him, investors are preparing ground for future initiatives in Nagaland. “For investors, it will be difficult to take decisions at one go.”
The state’s tourism secretary, Khekhiye Sema, who attended the Shillong meet, said preliminary negotiations with the South East Asian country were “very affirmative.” The Doner ministry is mooting an exchange programme where representatives of the region will be hosted by Thailand for three weeks, in efforts of furthering relations.
Thailand, which annually sees a tourist turnout of 11 million, has yet to announce what it specifically wants out of the region in the tourism sector, according to the secretary. What also remains to be seen is how the Doner ministry works out modalities with the Commerce ministry and other related agencies.
Horticulture secretary Thangi Mannen, also an attendee today, said a give-and-take policy would need to be worked out for trade relations. Though concrete agreements on doing business with flowers were found to be wanting, fruits and vegetables appear to emerge as products with promising avenues.
Fruits akin to Thailand can be cultivated in Nagaland. In turn, fruits such as oranges and passion fruits can be exported for growth in Thailand. Potatoes, expensive in that country, can be given the same treatment.
Besides, Thailand and Nagaland could also tie up in exchanging technology. Nagaland boasts of an ‘advanced processing sector’.
Morung Express News
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