Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 280/08

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON LOOK SOUTH-A MEGHALAYA PERSPECTIVE INAUGURATED BY CM

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Donkupar Roy today inaugurated the 2-day National Seminar on “Look South-A Meghalaya Perspective” organized by St Edmund’s College, Shillong at the college auditorium in the presence of the Leader of Opposion, Dr D D Lapang who presided over the inaugural function. Deputy Chief Minister, Mr H S Lyngdoh and Minister for Agriculture, Mr E C B Bamon also attended the inaugural function.

The National Seminar will be participated by eminent personalities drawn from different fields like politicians, economists, sociologists, academicians and also the DONER Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar and Meghalaya Finance Minister, Mr Conrad Sangma among others who would express their views and opinions on the prospects and problems for establishing ties with Bangladesh in the political, social and economic aspects.

Dr Donkupar Roy during his inaugural address lauded the efforts of St Edmunds College, Shillong for taking the initiative in organising the important National Seminar which he said would explore the possibilities of facilitating and encouraging trade, commercial, political and cultural ties with Bangladesh. He said that during the pre-partition period, Bangladesh have been the most important area for trade, economic interaction and also cultural exchange for the people of Meghalaya but after India attaining independence in 1947 and the partition of the country, the State was deprived of the traditional access and markets which had adversely affected the economy of the people particularly in the areas bordering Bangladesh. He said that the National Seminar is the unique platform to rekindle the bonds of cooperation that have long existed through shared ties of geography, commerce, history and culture. He said that the trade at the border, with goods flowing through Meghalaya, from the State and others North Eastern States would provide benefits especially in income and employment in the border belt. He stressed that there is an urgent need to address the long felt need of the people of the State for upgradation of facilities for trade and export, road, telecom and related infrastructure across the State for boosting the economy of the border areas and the State as a whole.

Dr Roy suggested that focus should be made on enhancing trade ties and in building of a framework for investment. Meghalaya can always attract Bangladesh in the Tourism, Education, Horticulture and Health sector besides others that would benefit State.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were the Leader of Opposition, Dr D D Lapang and also the Principal St Edmund’s College, Bro E V Miranda.