Shillong, May 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the Northeast is entering a period of accelerated economic growth, driven by political stability, stronger leadership and increasing investor confidence across the region.
Speaking during a curtain raiser event for the upcoming North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition in Shillong, Sangma said the region had historically remained constrained due to the absence of a conducive political environment, but noted that circumstances have changed considerably in recent years.
“The overall environment and political situation make the timing perfect,” Sangma said while highlighting the growing interest of investors in the Northeast.
He stated that several economic opportunities that had remained unexplored for years are now beginning to materialise because of what he described as the right leadership, political stability and sustained policy efforts.
According to the Chief Minister, stable administrations at both the central and state levels have improved governance, strengthened policy implementation and helped speed up developmental progress across the region. He also observed that the Northeast’s comparatively lower economic exposure in earlier decades has contributed to its current trajectory of faster growth.
The two-day North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition is scheduled to be held in Shillong on June 11 and 12. The event is being organised jointly by the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region along with several Union ministries and is expected to bring together political leaders, policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the programme, Sanjay Jaju said the Centre remains focused on infrastructure-led growth and strengthening regional integration in the Northeast.
Jaju said the government had already invested Rs 1 lakh crore across multiple sectors in the region this year, describing it as the highest-ever allocation for the Northeast.
“While the government of India is putting in its might, real development will come when entrepreneurs join hands for business interests,” he said.
Referring to the northeastern states as “Ashtalakshmi”, Jaju said the region occupies an important position in India’s broader development agenda. He also identified Meghalaya and Shillong as emerging hubs for infrastructure, tourism, entrepreneurship and investment.
