Dr Sukanta Majumdar attends the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Nov 18: The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Hyderabad today. Following the positive response from the previous event in the city, this roadshow attracted strong interest from potential investors eager to explore opportunities in the North Eastern States. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Minister of State for MDoNER & Education, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Governor of Mizoram, Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, along with senior officials from the Ministry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and representatives from North Eastern States.

Minister of State highlighted the region's rich legacy, noting that "long before India's independence, the North East was a thriving industrial and economic hub." He emphasised Assam's significance, being home to the world's oldest operating oil well, the Digboi Oil Field, and its deep-rooted association with tea. He also pointed to the region’s untapped potential in tourism, medical tourism, and IT, urging Hyderabad’s healthcare and IT sectors to expand into the North East, tapping into its young, educated workforce and growing demand for specialised services. He further stressed the immense potential of food tourism, with fusion cuisines combining Hyderabadi spices and North Eastern flavors. He added that under the government's 100 Days achievements, a series of impactful projects have been sanctioned under various schemes of MDoNER viz. PM-DevINE, NESIDS etc. These projects, focusing on road infrastructure, healthcare, and bamboo processing, will enhance the quality of life across North East India. Hon’ble Minister of State invited investors to explore the North East’s potential and become part of its incredible story.

Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, in his address underlined that the North East Region boasts a strategic location with easy access to ASEAN economies, offering lucrative opportunities for businesses. He also highlighted that North East Region’s connectivity is rapidly evolving. The extensive road network, expanding railway routes, and 17 operational airports has enhanced business potential of the region. The North East is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a region that has, for too long, remained in the shadows, but now stands ready to take its rightful place as one of India’s great economic engines. He underlined that both Union and Central Government is committed to foster a business-friendly environment in the North Eastern Region.

Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary of MDoNER, in her address on advantage North East and Opportunities for Investment and Trade emphasized that North Eastern Region has rich untapped potential. Over the past decade, the government has successfully completed numerous pending projects, benefiting local communities and millions of people through various schemes/initiatives. She also highlighted the opportunities in the region in various sectors like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics and Energy. She stated that MDoNER is dedicated to facilitating investment opportunities and enhancing the region's investment ecosystem. The North East region is confident for growth, with strategic investments, and can emerge as a leader in various sectors, benefiting both the local population and the nation as a whole.

Dr Kajal Director, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry presented the UNNATI Scheme, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and associated incentives. The UNNATI Scheme aims to boost industrialisation and economic growth in North East India. The scheme offers incentives to attract investors and manufacturing companies, supports the ‘Act East Policy,’ and promotes domestic manufacturing and services to reduce import dependence and enhance exports.

Government officials from North Eastern States, alongside representatives from FICCI shared valuable insights into opportunities across focus sectors. Each state presented comprehensive overviews of their unique investment prospects. The event attracted active participation from multiple leading businesses, highlighting strong interest in the region's investment landscape.

As part of pre-summit activities of North East Investors Summit, successful roundtable events have taken place with various states, including Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Nagaland. Previous roadshows in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Bengaluru garnered encouraging participation, while the State Seminar at Vibrant Gujarat attracted significant interest from potential investors.

The Hyderabad roadshow generated considerable interest from investors. Anticipated as a transformative event, the Roadshow in Hyderabad witnessed several B2G meetings generating potential interest from investors in the North Eastern States.