NEW DELHI, Dec 21 � Stage is set for the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States to woo Non Resident Indian (NRI) investors into the region through the North East Industrial and Investment Policy (NEIIPP) during the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2011.
Addressing a press conference here today, Union Minister for Mines and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Bijoy Krishna Handique and Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs (MoOIA) Vyalar Ravi said that session on Investment Opportunities in North Eastern Region has been organised, when the Chief Ministers of North Eastern States would interact with potential investors. Besides, a special session focusing on North-east would be held on January 7.
The Ministry DoNER is partnering the annual conclave in association with Ministry of Overseas Affair and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh is scheduled to inaugurate the event, while President Pratibha Devising Patil is going to attend the concluding function of the event that gets under way on January 7.
Most of the Chief Ministers of the region have already confirmed their participation, said Handique. The keynote address would be delivered by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma.
The NEIIPP that has been showcased to woo investors has so far not been much of a success in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the region. The special industrial package offers tax free zone from Income Tax and excise exemptions for a period of 10 years, besides waiving of local sales tax and municipal tax on the part of State Governments. On offer is also 15 per cent capital investment Subsidy with a ceiling of Rs. 30 lakh, as well as, grant of eight per cent interest subsidy on working capital loans for 10 years.
Handique further said a special session has been organised to discuss �Diaspora Role Models from North East, Success Stories�. The session would be moderated by editor in-chief Times Now, Arnab Goswami and panellists include Wahid Saleh, Lakshmikanta Laikangbam, Prof. Dipak Jain and Easther Dora Marpna, he added.
Significantly, the Ministry DoNER has been able to compile a list of pravasi residents of North-east living abroad. When asked Handique could not give a definite figure but maintained North-east Diaspora was spread all over the world.
The theme of the event �Engaging the Global Indian� would have Governor General of New Zealand, Sir Anand Satyanand as the chief guest.
