GUWAHATI, Jan 23 - Assam Government is expecting that the Centre would soon announce a separate industrial policy for the North East region to give a boost to industrialization in the region, particularly in view of the ensuing Global Investors� Summit. Meanwhile, the State Government is also chalking out a plan to construct a cargo warehouse near the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport for the benefit of the industrialists.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said that the State Government held series of meetings with the Union Commerce Ministry and NITI Aayog on formulation of separate industrial policy for the North East to give boost to the investors. He said that the Centre would soon come up with a separate policy for the region, which would be a bit different from the earlier one.
Patowary revealed that the State Government has identified key areas where the investors would be willing to invest. These areas include agro-processing, information technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality industry. He said that the State has immense potential in these sectors and the investors should be keen on investing in these sectors.
Replying to a question, the Minister admitted that communication plays a key role in attracting investors, who would definitely like to have a communication channel to market their products. He pointed out that the State Government has requested the Centre for introduction of flights to the capitals of the South East Asian Countries from the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport while, a new terminal building would soon be constructed by the Centre at the cost of Rs 1,200 crore. Expansion of the airport would facilitate landing of more cargo flights in Guwahati. He also said that the State Government is constructing a cargo warehouse near the airport, which would be of immense benefit for the industrialists to stock their products.
Patowary pointed out that river communication would also be a key factor for industrial development in Assam. He disclosed that the Government of Bangladesh has already agreed to allow India the use of Chittagong port, which would be beneficial not only for Assam but also for the entire North East region. He said that dredging of the Barak River has already started to improve navigational facilities, while, the Government of India has provided Rs 250 crore to Bangladesh to improve the navigational channels.
