Guwahati: Chandra Mohan Patowary, the Minister of Act East Policy Affairs, emphasized that the Act East Policy has positioned Assam and the Northeast at the core of India’s development narrative.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the “Act East through Northeast 2.0 – The Round Table Conference on Inter-Country Economic Corridor through Northeast of India for Inclusive Growth,” Patowary highlighted the significant impact of the policy on the region.
The second phase of the roundtable conference, organized by the Act East Policy Affairs department, aims to explore fresh opportunities presented by the Act East Policy for the Northeast region. It seeks to develop a strategic framework for enhancing economic and cultural connections with Southeast Asian countries, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations with neighbouring Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Patowary, delivering the keynote address, stated, “The central government led by Prime Minister Modi has taken the region to high growth trajectory with the implementation of the Act East Policy, and the Northeast is acting as India’s bridge with ASEAN countries.”
He highlighted the rapid development in road infrastructure, regional airways connectivity, railways, waterways, shipping, and internet connectivity in Assam and the Northeast. Patowary noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Act East Policy has revitalized India’s engagement with eastern neighbours, fostering cooperation with Bangladesh and Bhutan in trade, transit, and water resources management.
The roundtable served as a platform for government officials, experts, practitioners, and business leaders to explore potential opportunities arising from evolving connectivity among Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Assam.
Patowary expressed the Assam government’s commitment to transforming the state into an economic hub by creating a business-friendly environment, facilitating ease of doing business, and developing world-class infrastructure. He identified sectors such as agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, tourism, and information technology as ripe for investment.
Highlighting the economic benefits reaped by Assam and the Northeast through closer ties with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Southeast Asian countries, Patowary mentioned the use of Chittagong and Mongla ports in Bangladesh to strengthen waterways connectivity in the region.
The conference featured special addresses by distinguished speakers, including Ruhul Amin, the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati, Manvendra Pratap Singh, Secretary of Act East Policy Affairs, and other notable speakers, providing insights into connectivity initiatives and economic corridors.
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The event marked the release of a crucial report titled “Inter Country Economic Corridor Through Northeast of India for Inclusive Growth: Potential and Prospects,” offering a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
During the conference, various connectivity initiatives, such as a 58-km rail link between Gelephu in Bhutan and Kokrajhar in Assam, riverine linkages with Bangladesh, and various road and railway projects connecting neighbouring countries, were discussed in detail.
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