CHENNAI: The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai on Wednesday, drawing significant interest from investors eager to explore business opportunities in the region. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who emphasized the Northeast’s strategic importance in India’s economic growth and connectivity with Southeast Asia.Scindia highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the Northeast as “Ashtalakshmi”, a key driver of India’s development. He underscored the region’s rapid progress in infrastructure, air, road, and rail connectivity, making it a prime destination for industries. “Each of the eight Northeastern states offers unique resources and opportunities, contributing to India’s growth story,” he stated.
With 38% of India’s bamboo resources, vast untapped hydrocarbon reserves, and strong potential in tourism, agriculture, IT, and logistics, Scindia urged Chennai’s industrialists to invest in the region. He also noted that Northeast India’s skilled, English-speaking workforce and rising IT sector make it an ideal hub for business expansion.
Mizoram Showcases Investment Potential
Mizoram’s Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, highlighted his state’s thriving agriculture sector, with GI-tagged ginger and chilies, mandarin oranges, and dragon fruit presenting lucrative opportunities in food processing. He also pitched Mizoram as a sports powerhouse, aligning with India’s 2036 Olympic vision and calling for investments in sports infrastructure.
Infrastructure, IT & Tourism Growth
MDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar stressed the economic boom in the Northeast, where growth has outpaced the national average. He announced that eight tourism sites are being developed as model destinations under the PPP model, boosting eco-tourism and hospitality ventures.
He also emphasized the UNNATI scheme, which offers attractive incentives to investors in manufacturing, IT, and services. With the Kaladan project and trilateral highways enhancing connectivity, the Northeast is set to become a hub for medical tourism, catering to over 60 million people from neighboring countries.
Industry Leaders Show Interest
The event featured B2G meetings, with industry leaders engaging in discussions on investment prospects. Officials from DPIIT presented incentives under the UNNATI scheme, designed to accelerate industrialization in the Northeast.
The Chennai roadshow concluded on an optimistic note, reinforcing the Northeast’s status as an emerging economic powerhouse and paving the way for future collaborations.
