Valuable inputs on development perspective of the north east vis-à-vis “India-Japan Partnership towards Meeting the Challenge of Infrastructure Development in India’s North East” were provided by speakers from the Japanese delegation, Government of India, Government of Nagaland and Policy analysts and academicians at Tuesday’s day-long workshop held at Hotel Acacia Dimapur.
Thematic sessions deliberated on the current status of economic development in the North East Region (NER) and economic impact of infrastructure development; connectivity imperatives in the NER and potential for India-Japan cooperation; possibilities of India-Japan cooperation in the energy sector, and linking ‘make in Northeast’ with production networks in South East Asia.
Professor of Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Manoj Pant recognized the diverse nature of the economies of the North Eastern Region, and the need to identify the commonalities between the northeastern states to better harness the connectivity and infrastructure development initiatives.
Speaking on the characteristic subsistence economy that prevail in a major part of the NER, Professor Pant emphasized on the importance of linkages within the state that included rural road development to facilitate and boost intra-state economy.
Regional Expert and Commentator, Prodyut Bora identified the North East as a region that had undergone various stages since independence from being a ‘Museum state’, ‘military state’, ‘accord state’ and ‘package state’.
He said infrastructure was a necessary condition for economic growth but that in itself, was insufficient.
Bora maintained, that instead of introduction of several industries in the North Eastern Region, what was needed was for one single industry that would generate one million jobs in the region.
Dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute, Tokyo, Naoki Yoshino spoke on how to finance infrastructure development initiatives, long term and patient investors and financial education. He stressed that infrastructure development could also generate employment.
North East Council (NEC) secretary,, Ram Muivah emphasized on the need to re-strengthen the NEC.
He said the North Eastern Region has approximately 4, 500 km international border and so road connectivity should be harnessed with the help of the Japanese expertise.
Aiko Okamura of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) elaborated on the concept of Corridor Development to maximize economic development through connectivity. Okamura also emphasized on the need for quality infrastructure such as slope-protection in road development.
Nagaland’s commissioner and secretary (PWD), Himato Zhimomi, spoke on the need to focus on improved and better road connectivity, power generation, Information Technology (IT) and Information and communications technology (ICT).
He also emphasized on creation of a specific Northeast economic corridor to enable relations with the ASEAN countries for instance. Zhimomi also stressed on the emerging importance of waterways.
Also participating in the discussion, former chief secretary, Nagaland, Alemtemshi Jamir highlighted on Human Capital which could be harnessed as a part of the “Make in Northeast” initiative focusing on sectors such as the healthcare and education sector.
Former cabinet minister for Health and Education, Government of Assam and BJP leader, Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged that funding from an external agency such as the Japanese was perceived as beneficial to the northeast region.
Taking advantage of the presence of Ram Madhav, BJP national general secretary and Director of India Foundation, New Delhi, Himanta Biswa Sarma urged to cull out at least two or three initiatives which may be implemented in the next few years.
Several important points and ideas were discussed at the concluding day of the two-day workshop, mainly focusing on infrastructure challenges in the NER.
As a way forward, it was proposed that a study could be undertaken to map and identify the sectors of focus, match the supply-demand chain, and feasibility of the intended initiatives.