Guwahati, 16th February: Assam’s Act East Policy Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary today underscored the transformative impact of the Act East Policy, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in revitalizing India’s relations with its Eastern neighbors. Particularly, Patowary emphasized the strengthened cooperation with Bangladesh and Bhutan in trade, transit, and water resources management, marking a new era of collaboration.
Addressing the inaugural session of the “Act East through Northeast 2.0 – The Round Table Conference on Inter Country Economic Corridor through North East of India for Inclusive Growth” in Guwahati, Patowary highlighted the rapid development witnessed in Assam and the Northeast region across various sectors. He credited the central government’s proactive approach for propelling the region into a high-growth trajectory, leveraging the Act East Policy to bridge connections with ASEAN and Southeast Asian countries.
Patowary affirmed the Assam government’s commitment, led by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, to capitalize on the region’s natural resources and strategic location, aiming to position the state as an economic powerhouse. Emphasizing a conducive business environment and robust infrastructure development, he outlined investment opportunities in sectors like agriculture, food processing, tourism, and information technology.
The roundtable conference, organized by the Act East Policy Affairs Department, Govt of Assam, serves as a platform to explore fresh opportunities arising from the Act East Policy for the Northeast region. It also aims to foster strategic collaborations with Southeast Asian countries, with a focus on enhancing bilateral ties with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
Highlighting the economic benefits stemming from closer ties with neighboring countries, Patowary emphasized the significance of leveraging waterways connectivity through ports in Bangladesh, such as Chittagong and Mongla, to bolster trade relations. He also underscored the potential for Bangladesh to tap into Assam’s sectors like ethanol, methanol, and hydrocarbon to enhance trade.
The conference featured distinguished speakers, including Ruhul Amin, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati, and Mr. Manvendra Pratap Singh, Secretary, Act East Policy Affairs, Government of Assam. Discussions centered on various connectivity initiatives, such as rail links and riverine linkages, to create economic corridors in the region.
The event also marked the release of a significant report titled “Inter Country Economic Corridor Through North East of India for Inclusive Growth: Potential and Prospects,” offering insights for sustainable development through economic corridors passing through Assam, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Throughout the daylong conference, stakeholders deliberated on leveraging evolving connectivity with neighboring countries to foster economic growth and inclusivity in the region.