Kenye urges electrical firms to tap NE, cross-border markets

KOHIMA, NOV 3 (PTI): State Power minister KG Kenye on Tuesday urged electrical and electronics manufacturers to expand their presence in the Northeast and explore cross-border business opportunities, saying the region could serve as a gateway to untapped markets in neighbouring countries.
Addressing an ELECRAMA 2027 preview programme organised by Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) here, Kenye said manufacturers should look beyond Kolkata and recognise the economic potential of the Northeast, particularly in view of Act East policy and improving regional connectivity.
He said several areas across the international borders had limited electricity infrastructure but offered considerable potential for business and market expansion as consumer demand continued to grow.
Kenye urged manufacturers to consider Nagaland as a launching pad for establishing business ventures and extending their operations into neighbouring regions, adding that improved road connectivity and international highways would create further opportunities.
He also called upon industry leaders to invest in the state to generate employment, saying the government had reached a saturation point in absorbing educated youth into public service.
“Nagaland has a large pool of educated young people seeking jobs, while a substantial portion of the state’s financial resources was being spent on government salaries and wages, leaving limited funds for other development activities,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges businesses could face in establishing industries in the state, Kenye said the government was working towards creating a more peaceful and conducive investment environment and assured manufacturers of all possible support.
Power department principal secretary KD Vizo also urged electrical and electronics manufacturers to establish production, assembly and repair facilities in Nagaland and other northeastern states.
He said the region had lagged behind in manufacturing and called on companies to consider even semi-knocked-down assembly facilities if setting up full-fledged manufacturing units was not immediately feasible. Vizo said manufacturing could help address unemployment and provide opportunities for the younger generation.