“To unleash the real potential of the North East Region, we should open trade borders with the ASEAN region. North East India has cultural similarities with the ASEAN countries and has a lot to offer, if the human capital of the region can be included in this mission. I am happy to note that the Government of India has laid focus on the development of North East Region, along with strengthening the security ecosystem, in context of the current geo political scenario. Roads, Start-ups, Micro Finance are some of the key sectors which can pave the road to development of the North East”, said Shri P. D. Rai, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), in his Special Address at the 2nd day of the ASEAN-India Connectivity Summit held from 11 - 12 December at New Delhi.
Highlighting the scope of the north east and the advantages it yields in terms of enhancing trade with ASEAN countries, Shri Naveen Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, India mentioned that an overall enhancement of value chain, connecting sites with markets, focus on sectors like tourism, food production and food processing will boost exports and strengthen linkages with ASEAN countries. He mentioned that people to people connect will be key to strengthening India - ASEAN relations.
“North East is the door to build connectivity with the ASEAN countries. JICA and ADB are partners in deepening the India - ASEAN relations. The completion of the Bharatmala - the ambitious project of the Government of India will signify a milestone in connectivity”, commented Mr. Yudhvir Singh Malik, Secretary, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, India.
Mr Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative, JICA India Office stressed upon the importance of building quality infrastructure, which is key for sustainable development.
“Road connectivity is of paramount importance in a market economy in facilitating last mile connectivity. 60 percent of goods are transported via roads. With the expansion of e-commerce, the logistics sector has turned around. Tourism has also added new dimension to connectivity”, said Mr. Ajit Gulabchand, President, Construction Federation of India (CFI) and Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Construction Company Limited.
Talking about the Master plan on ASEAN Countries 2025: Harnessing Opportunities,Mr. Lim Cheen, Director, ASEAN Secretariat, Indonesia said, Connectivity is about reach and as a strategy, they are focussing on sustainable infrastructure, people mobility, seamless logistics, digital innovation and regulatory excellence. He also mentioned that they are adopting a multi- year consultative and collaborative journey towards greater connectivity.
Mr. Nathan K Suppiah, Vice President of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and Secretary General of the Malaysian National Shippers' Council, Malaysia said that in the last 50 years, the Malaysian Government has invested in infrastructure and built 6 express ways on PPP. He mentioned that interconnectivity, Ease of Doing Business, and cheap logistics are key for building partnerships.
Improved connectivity between India and ASEAN would reduce trade costs and increase trade flows. Effective cross boarder and national transport projects would result in stronger connectivity between India and in the ASEAN Regions, commented Mr. S. Selvakumar, Joint Secretary (ABC), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, India.
12 December 2017
New Delhi