Key stakeholders including the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) participated in a roundtable discussion on "Inter-Country Economic Corridor (ICEC) in the North East of India" held in Guwahati, Assam this week.
Organized under the Act East through North East Policy of India, the event aimed to bolster India's economic, strategic, and cultural relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region through the establishment of an ICEC.
The Roundtable commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Ranjit Barthakur, the Chairman of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Northeast Advisory Council, and was inaugurated by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam.
Also participating in the inaugural ceremony were esteemed dignitaries including Mr. Manvendra Pratap Singh, the Secretary for the Act East Policy Affairs, the Government of Assam, and Mr. CSR Ram, Joint Secretary, BIMSTEC and SAARC Division, MEA, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Mr. Naveen Srivastava, Mr. Tara Nath Adhikari, Minister (Economic) at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi.
Distinguished speakers from various sectors delivered special addresses, including ambassadors from neighboring countries such as Bhutan and Nepal, representatives from governmental bodies, and experts from international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Mr. Sunil KC, Vice President of NICCI and Founder of the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs, Nepal, was among the prominent speakers in the program.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. KC emphasized the geopolitical significance of North East India as a gateway to Southeast Asia and stressed the importance of fostering economic ties for peace, stability, and mutual prosperity in the region.
Highlighting the potential benefits of an ICEC, he underscored its role in boosting trade volume, creating jobs, catalyzing infrastructure development, and fostering inclusive growth. He went on to say that robust infrastructure, smooth trade flows, and effective policy coordination are necessary for the success of such initiatives.
He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing socio-economic development and inclusive growth, particularly focusing on marginalized communities, environmental sustainability, and responsible development practices.
Reiterating the immense promise of establishing an ICEC in North East India, he called for collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and international partners, to realize the vision of a vibrant and sustainable economic corridor that benefits all stakeholders in the region.
The Roundtable provided a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at fostering regional cooperation and achieving shared prosperity in North East India, interlocutors said.
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