Chennai: The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai on Wednesday, generating significant interest from investors eager to explore business opportunities in the North Eastern states.
The event was attended by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Mizoram’s Sports & Youth Services Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, senior officials from MDoNER, the North Eastern Council, and representatives from the eight North Eastern states.
North East: India’s Economic Powerhouse in the Making
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the North East has emerged as “India’s Asthalakshmi,” a key driver of economic growth. He highlighted major infrastructure developments over the past decade, including expanded air, rail, road, and waterway connectivity that have enhanced the region’s industrial potential.
“The North East is a gateway to Southeast Asia and holds immense opportunities in tourism, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, textiles, IT & ITeS, energy, and sports,” the Minister said, encouraging investors from Chennai to tap into the region’s abundant natural resources and skilled workforce.
Drawing a parallel between Chennai’s thriving IT sector and the North East’s emerging economy, he urged Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture, food processing, tourism, and manufacturing. He also highlighted the North East’s 38% share of India’s bamboo resources, presenting opportunities for Chennai’s furniture industry and the region’s untapped hydrocarbon reserves.
Mizoram: A Rising Hub for Agriculture and Sports
Mizoram’s Sports & Youth Services Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar showcased the state’s agriculture and food processing potential, noting that 55% of Mizoram’s land is under horticulture. The state is a major producer of GI-tagged ginger, chillies, mandarin oranges, papaya, and dragon fruit. Additionally, its rich bamboo reserves remain largely untapped.
Mizoram is also establishing itself as a sports powerhouse, contributing top athletes to national and international events. With India’s 2036 Olympic vision, the state aims to attract investments in sports infrastructure alongside tourism and infrastructure development.
Government’s Vision for Investment and Growth
MDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar highlighted that the North East’s economic growth has outpaced the national average, making it an attractive destination for business.
He announced that the government has identified eight model tourism destinations for development through the PPP model and highlighted the rapid growth of IT & ITeS, agriculture, and allied sectors. He also emphasized the UNNATI scheme, which provides attractive incentives for investments in the region.
Additionally, he noted that with trilateral highways and the Kaladan project, the North East is poised to become a major medical tourism hub, catering to over 60 million people from neighboring countries. The introduction of a single-window system across North Eastern states is further simplifying business operations.
Opportunities for Investment and Trade
MDoNER Joint Secretary Shantanu highlighted that over the past decade, government efforts have transformed connectivity in the North East, facilitating trade and economic growth. He pointed to major opportunities in IT & ITeS, healthcare, education, skill development, sports, tourism, infrastructure, and energy.
A DPIIT representative provided insights into the UNNATI Scheme, which supports industrialization, manufacturing, and services in the region, aligning with the ‘Act East Policy’ to boost exports and reduce import dependency.
B2G Meetings and Industry Participation
Senior officials from North Eastern states provided actionable insights into emerging investment opportunities. The roadshow saw strong participation from industry leaders, with several B2G (Business-to-Government) meetings allowing investors to discuss their plans for expanding operations in the region.
The Chennai Roadshow concluded on a high note, with investors expressing keen interest in collaborative ventures. The event fostered meaningful dialogue, laying the groundwork for future partnerships to drive economic growth and sustainable development in North East India.
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