MLA and advisor to state on Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu was of the view that it was needless to talk about the potentials but to deliberate upon the common challenges
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
As the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) hosted first ever Northeastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry business conclave at Niathu Resort, Chumoukedima, Nagaland, entered its second day on September 19, the business session of the same conclave saw advisor and MLA, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, Nagaland, as the special guest.
Underlining that “unity” amongst is a must for a common goal for economic growth that could be termed as a “proud moment” for the northeast people as a collective effort (s), Hekani was of the view that it was needless to talk about the potentials but to deliberate upon the common challenges for which she said MSME will/can be the strength.
She also mentioned about the poor connectivity, unique geographical location vis-à-vis South Asian countries while also proposing for a new industrial development policy in the northeastern region which was also proposed earlier by the parliament standing committee.
Mentioning that emerging sector (s) in the northeast region is food processing industry, however, she said there is difficult guidelines to access to the many schemes under the Ministry of Food processing and that is where policy intervention is required.
In the afternoon session (business), the member delegates from across the region emphasized on agri, horticulture, tourism, investment and business opportunities where districts of each state could partake in order to identify structure and avenues for the northeast business fraternity to avail the schemes that would best fit in the region.
Opening of the business sessions was chaired by Pinky Sukhalu, introduction to business agendas was shared by Prof Ch Priyoranjan Singh, department of economics, Manipur University, while prospect of business convergence in northeastern states: issues and challenges was Toko Tatung, secretary general, Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and co-convenor, CoNESCCI, chairing the morning session.
The afternoon business session on “Investment and business opportunity in the untapped NE market: Assessing strength, challenges, and need for policy intervention” was chaired by working president, Assam Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sisir Kalita, where resolution and action plan by the resolution drafting committee was also part of the afternoon session.
In the evening business session, the delegates discussed on “India’s Act East Policy and NE States of India: Prospects, Issues, and Challenges” which was chaired by Manipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, general secretary, and also co-convenor, CoNESCCI, Anil Haorokcham.