Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 42/10

PRESS RELEASE

Northeast could become an interface with Southeast Asia for India said Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister B M Lanong while speaking at a seminar - “Destination Meghalaya” - held at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati today, Lanong highlighted opportunities in the state in sectors like agribusiness and mineral resources to attract investors. Echoing the words of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who said, “northeast can be the springboard for economic integration with Southeast Asia.” “With surplus agro-horticulture produces and mineral resources, Meghalaya has enormous potential for investment in this virgin land.” “Meghalaya is one of the most bio-diverse regions comparable only to the richness of African Savannah. A wealth of fruits, vegetables and flowers and the flora and fauna. With lofty mountains, lush green valley, dancing waterfalls, historical places and ruins of 4th century AD, Meghalaya is a tourists’ paradise,” Lanong said. He underscored that Meghalaya produces some unique indigenous fruits such as sohiong, sohshang, persimmon, etc. According to him, the pleasant climate throughout the year makes Meghalaya a potential destination for IT and IT enabled services.

Addressing the seminar, director of department of horticulture O. Rangad said that food processing industries based on agricultural and horticultural produces offer a significant potential for growth and development, considering the vast resource base of this industry. He said that food processing industries can be used as an instrument for preventing post harvest losses and generating larger employment, particularly in rural areas.

The departments of tourism and information and technology also gave presentations on growth prospects in the two sectors in the state.

Director of the department of commerce and industries D.K. Areng said that the new industry and tourism policies of the state are in the draft stage and will be released shortly. Areng said that the policies will be made available in the web. He also requested the entrepreneurs to visit the state and explore the investment opportunities available there.

The commercial counsellor of Royal Thai embassy, Tharadol Thongruang said that many Thai entrepreneurs are keen to develop trade ties with Meghalaya. “Thailand and Meghalaya can join hands for development of tourism,” Thongruang said.

ITFAA vice-president Rajesh Das suggested that a combined tourism package can be developed by including tourist sites in Assam, Meghalaya and Thailand. He also lauded the various initiatives taken by the D.D. Lapang government in Meghalaya for development of industries and commerce in the state.

Entrepreneurs from countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh attended the seminar. The seminar was organised by Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) North East and Government of Meghalaya on the occasion of Meghalaya Day celebration in the 17th International Guwahati Trade Fair (IGTF).