Abu Metha calls for regional collaboration
The first Northeastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI) Business Conclave concluded Wednesday at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima where several resolutions were adopted among which was a commitment to jointly work towards enhancing business prospects across the North East Region (NER).
Speaking at the closing ceremony, adviser to CM and Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) chairman Abu Metha, extended gratitude to the organisers for the successful hosting of the conclave. He also thanked the delegates who arrived from across the region and commended their valuable insights and suggestions for future endeavours.
Metha advocated collaboration among NE states while stressing on unity over competition and to identify each other’s strengths, understand weaknesses, and transcend differences to unite as one cohesive region. He called on the region’s business to contribute to India’s ascent as a global power.
Metha underscored the geopolitics of NE and its pivotal position in a rapidly-changing world and being sandwiched by China in the north, (second largest national economy in the world), mainland India in the west, (fifth largest economy in the world), Bangladesh in the south, (second largest economy in Southeast Asia), and the 10 countries of ASEAN in the east which formed one of the most potential emerging markets.
Mehta also said the state capitals in the region were no longer the “last capitals of India” but should be regard as forefront cities of India due to their dynamism, urging business and industrial community to grasp these dynamics and shape the narrative.
On the economic potential of NER, Metha revealed a staggering figure projected by Indian tourism and aviation industries. He said $44 billion would be invested in the tourism sector in the next five years with anticipated foreign arrivals to touch $58 billion by 2028. He said substantial investments are expected in the service sector, including construction of 500 new five-star hotels.
Additionally, the Indian aviation industry had placed bookings for more than 1,000 aircrafts in the next three years he said.
In the service sector, Metha said it would necessitate a significant workforce, where supplying the required human resources “should be our responsibility.”
In a fast-changing world where technology is transforming society, Metha said it has reshaped various aspects of human life, from work to healthcare, education, communication, and beyond. In the 21st century, Metha said the uneducated are not those who could not read and write, but those who lacked proficiency in modern technological tools.
He also highlighted Nagaland’s historical journey, formed through a political agreement, extolled the progress it achieved and acknowledged challenges faced and contributions made by the Nagas in nation-building.
In conclusion, Metha assured the delegates of the state government’s unwavering support in fortifying the Northeast and also urged upon all participants to work together with unity and collaboration to propel India’s growth.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dorothy Chang and a special song delivered by Fusion.
Hosted by the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) since September 18, the three-day first NSCCI Business Conclave brought together prominent business individuals from the north-eastern states.
CoNESCCI adopts resolutions
After the conclusion of the 3-day CoNESCCI, several resolutions were adopted, according to CoNESCCI convener and Assam Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Rupam Goswami.
He revealed that CoNESCCI aimed at formalising its constitution by October with the primary objective of overseeing holistic business growth in the region.
“Despite being comprised of seven distinct states, our heart is one and we speak one language, development,” he emphasised. He claimed that the core focus was elevating North-eastern states to new heights, with the ultimate aim of transforming the populace into job creators, rather than job seekers, expressing the optimism that all state governments would extend their support towards achieving this collective goal.
Reflecting on the business conclave, Goswami extended gratitude to the host, the Confederation of Nagaland Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI).
He shared that the three-day event featured four intensive brainstorming sessions addressing a range of issues and challenges impacting the region’s economy. He said the conclave also discussed the Look East policy.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industry secretary general hailed the conclave as a historic milestone. He pointed out that it was the first instance where chambers of commerce and industry from all the North-eastern states converged to deliberate on issues and devise strategies for overall regional growth.
He said the conclave zeroed in on critical regional concerns and pledged to effectively communicate these concerns to the relevant stakeholders.
On his party, Manipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry general secretary Haorokcham Anil echoed the sentiment of progress of NER. He claimed that the conclave meticulously discussed issues and challenges faced by the region, underlining its significance as a platform for unified advocacy.
Responding to questions on the formation of CoNESCCI, Anil emphasised stronger economic ties within the region. He pointed that economic and business connections were yet to be fully realised, a gap he claimed that CoNESCCI aimed to bridge.
Regarding the issue of illegal taxation and presence of insurgent groups, he clarified that the conclave did not delve into these state-specific matters.
He however expressed confidence that economic progress would pave the way for improved law and order, thereby benefiting society as a whole.
CNCCI chairman and CoNESCCI co-convenor Dr Khekugha Muru underscored the far-reaching impact of conflicts, stating that an issue in one state often cast a shadow over the entire Northeast.
Asked about potential marginalisation of NER, Tatung cited the discontinuation of the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP) and the North East Industrial Development (NEID) scheme as indicative of the regions neglect. He stressed the importance of policy reviews to align them with the region’s best interests.
Dwelling on the NEID scheme, he stressed that when a policy was framed, it should be in sync with interests of the people for whom it was intended. In this regard, he appealed to the Centre to review the policy in consultation with the people for whom the policy was intended for.
In a unified sentiment, Tatung and Anil called for proactive steps from both Central and state governments to address these concerns.
In light of chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s proposal for the Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ), Muru extended CNCCI’s support to the state government but called for a careful approach to ensure that Article 371 (A) was not compromised. He further emphasised dialogue with landowners to facilitate industrial growth without compromising local interests.
Muru also termed the gap among the state government, civil society organisations, and the general public as a hindrance to progress, while advocating greater unity among the Nagas for collective benefit of the state.