ICRIER study report says modern day infra at custom stations can significantly boost international trade in North East Region
New Delhi : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr. Jitendra Singh today delivered the keynote address at the Virtual Conference organized by India’s leading economic think tank, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) to highlight the importance of enhancing trade infrastructure and connectivity in the North Eastern Region.
At the virtual conference Dr. Nisha Taneja, Professor, ICRIER, presented the findings of a comprehensive study led by her on the gap analysis in infrastructure at Land Custom Stations and Integrated Check Posts in the North Eastern Region of India.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, GOI said, “The Government of India is committed to the growth and development of the North Eastern Region. A great effort has been undertaken in the last 7 years to improve the last-mile connectivity across NER. The first ever train between Agartala to Bangladesh before this year-end, is a part of our efforts to improve trade with neighbouring nations. With the government’s efforts on ACT EAST – towards the development of North East region and completing an array of projects whether it is the completion of the grandest of bridges, improving inland water transport, work on the air, rail and roads networks etc., has changed the narrative of news emanating from NER in the past few years. India’s pre-emptive response to Covid and outreach towards neighbouring nations has enhanced bonding and trust. Witnessing our commitment and continuous efforts towards the development of NER, ASEAN countries are now looking at strengthening trade ties with the NER. North Eastern Region is set to lead India’s growth story in the post pandemic world. ICRIER’s conference is extremely timely and I would like to congratulate Professor Nisha Taneja from ICRIER on this extensive study which will become a resource document in setting the tone for the times to come.”