New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Northeastern states today made a fervent appeal to the Indian diaspora to invest in key infrastructure, particularly in education, healthcare and tourism sectors to help the region prosper on a par with the rest of the country.
Addressing the 9th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas here, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi sought "wholehearted support" of the 25 million diaspora in developing the region and help it achieve higher economic growth rate.
"The law and order is no longer a problem in the region as all major terrorist outfits have come to the negotiating table, realising futility of their hostilities against the governments. So, I invite you to my state as well as to region to explore its vast resources," Gogoi said.
Northeast has received special focus at the three-day annual conclave, being attended by nearly 1,500 NRIs and Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs), with the Centre projecting the region as an attractive destination for overseas investment.
"Please come and help us develop the region. We are ready to provide you all the help and hospitality," Gogoi said.
The conclave -- the country's annual event to connect with its diaspora, is being held in partnership with the Ministry for Development of Northeastern Region (DoNAR) and the eight northeastern states.
Showcasing the region as an ideal destination for investment, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the "time is ripe for the diaspora to invest" in the Northeast.
"Right policies are in place and now is the time to explore and participate in development of this region," he said.
He said there was a huge demand for quality educational institutions and hospitals in the northeast and the diaspora can invest in a big way in these two sectors.
Addressing the gathering, DoNER Minister B K Handique said the entire region is "extremely rich" in minerals, silica and coal amongst others and invited the diaspora to explore the "virgin land".
Handique added that Nagaland may pursue coal mining in a big way which will open up investment opportunities in a big way.
Tripura Commerce and Industries Minister Jitendra Chowdhury spoke about connectivity of the Northeast with countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and Vietnam saying the region can be a regional hub for trade activities with the East Asian countries.
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