Prime Minister Narendra Modi says northeast India crucial for stronger ties with ASEAN
At the same event where Modi spoke, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced an investment of Rs 2,500 crore for Assam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the progress of northeastern India was “at the heart” of the country’s Act East policy, which focuses on strengthening ties with Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“We created the Act East policy and the Northeast is at the heart of it,” Modi said, according to ANI. “The Act East policy requires increased people-to-people contact, trade ties and other relations with countries on India’s east, particularly ASEAN countries.”
Modi was speaking at the inaugural session of Global Investors’ Summit – “Advantage Assam” in Guwahati. He said India’s growth would gain momentum only when there is an all-round development of the northeast, PTI reported.
Elections are due in three northeastern states in February.
Assam is ranked first among the North Eastern States in the Ease of Doing Business report.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 3, 2018
With the present leadership of the State Government, Assam is going to further improve its current position to emerge as one of the most sought after states for investment: PM pic.twitter.com/sDyowcamDd
The Government of India is according top importance to the transformation of the Northeast. Elaborated on the steps being taken to boost infrastructure, transportation, power, tourism and other areas, which will further the Northeast’s development trajectory.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2018
Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay was present at the event, with several Union ministers, the chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, and ambassadors and high commissioners of 16 countries.
Reliance to pump money into Assam
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, who was also present at the event, announced an investment of Rs 2,500 crore for Assam in various sectors, including retail, petroleum, telecom, tourism and sports. He said these investments would create jobs for at least 80,000 people over the next three years.
He said Reliance would increase the number of its retail outlets to 40 from two currently, and the number of petrol depots to 165 from 27 now, The Hindu reported.
