JORHAT, Feb 19 � Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has advocated for �naturonomics�, a blend of nature and economics, for Assam and other North Eastern States to usher in a robust economy in the region.
Inaugurating the first ever Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair at the Court Field here today, Gogoi called upon the youths of the State to embrace entrepreneurship for a self-reliant Assam. Emphasizing on the extensive use of science and technology for promoting trade and business of the region with the ASEAN countries, Gogoi stressed on sustainable economic development with considerable emphasis on nature. He said that development of industrialization should take place along with development of environment and the government would give adequate impetus on tea, bamboo, food processing and other agro-based industries to stimulate the industrial growth of the State.
Lauding the Department of Industries and Commerce and FINER for organising the fair, Gogoi hoped the event would facilitate people-to-people interaction and exchange of human resources between North East and the ASEAN countries.
Considering the existing scenario of the region, Gogoi also advocated promotion of small and medium enterprises along with encouraging big business ventures in the State. He said that participation of many foreign countries in the fair ensures exposure of the local youths, traders and entrepreneurs with their international counterparts which would lead to generation of employment avenues, entrepreneurship and goodwill.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary of Assam Jitesh Khosla stressed on cooperation between North East and the ASEAN countries for promotion of trade and business. He also said the fair would lead to tapping the potential of trade and business opportunities of the North East.
Minister of Electric and Industry, Sagaing Regional Government, Myanmar, U Kyaw Win, Ambassador of Afghanistan Saida Mohd Abdali, Minister of Health, Family Welfare and IT of Meghalaya AL Hek, President, India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok Sushil Kumar Saraf also acknowledged the huge potential of the Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair in ushering in a mutually beneficial business climate in the ASEAN countries.
The seven-day fair, which would culminate on February 25, witnessed huge footfalls on all the stalls. Countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bhutan and Thailand are participating in the fair. The International Pavilion Life Style Pavilion and Good Living Pavilion, are doing their bit to add glitz to the fair.
