Act East meet

SHILLONG, JUN 1: The 4^th Act East Business Show organized by Indian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Government of Meghalaya, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, Ministry of DoNER, North Eastern Council, was inaugurated here today by Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma at State Central Library Auditorium.

Speaking during the Inaugural Session as the Chief Guest, Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma welcoming the delegates and officials from ASEAN countries said that the purpose of such dialogues is to aggregate the potentialities that exist in the region and to leverage upon these potentialities and open up opportunities for mutual benefits of all. He said that the Business Shows held in Shillong in then previous years have been successful in highlighting the potential of the North East region as a gateway to India’s South Eastern neighborhood.

The Chief Minister also added that it is a challenge for any government to change the mindset of the people to take up risks outside the security of government of jobs. He said that through such engagements, the large number of educated youth in the state will be provided with an opportunity to look at spaces outside the government sector. He added that the presence of successful businessmen and their experience sharing and testimony will inspire many to take up risks and become successful businessmen and entrepreneurs. He also added that the state of Meghalaya is blessed with natural resources of both flora and fauna and also human resources to attract investments in Tourism, Agriculture, Horticulture, Information Technology, Education, Handloom and Handicrafts.

He hoped that the business seminars planned over the next two days will be helpful in addressing the key policy matters that will enhance trade and connectivity in the region and the Business Show will be helpful in improving trade linkages between the NE region and the South East Asian neighborhood.

Also present at the function was Guest of Honor, Member, NEC, Ministry of DoNER, C K Das, who said that earlier people were reluctant to go outside the region for business but that times have changed since then and we have people expanding their business to South East Asian countries. He said that there is a need to have clear guidelines and policy to implement Act East Policy.

He also informed that there is a need for Research Analysis in business prospects between the North East region and South East Asia and added there is also a need for import and export of high value and low value commodities as well as human resources and technology.

It may be mentioned here that this year’s event is also part of the commemorative programs conducted by the Government of India to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the India-ASEAN Dialogue Relations.

Ambassador of Philippines to India, Ma Teresita C Daza, Ambassador of Thailand to India, Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Lao PDR to India, Southam Sakonhninhom, Asst High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Kazi Muntashir Mursheed, Li Baijun, Economic & Commercial Counselor, Embassy of Peoples Republic of China to India and Habib Md Choudhury, Chairman, ASEAN India Business Council (AIBC), Lao PDR Chapter were also present for the Inaugural Function.