Union FM, NE CMs, stakeholders attend two-day conference
REGIONAL / NATIONAL: The Conference on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States,” inaugurated by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs in Shillong Friday underscored the significance of robust institutions, implementation capacity and collaborative partnerships in realising the development potential of the Northeast. Organised by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), this two-day event attracted policymakers, state governments and representatives from multilateral and bilateral agencies to discuss enhancing the effectiveness of EAPs and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.
The inaugural session was attended by Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam; Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram; Dr Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland; Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim and Dr Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura along with senior officials from the Government of India, representatives of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), New Development Bank (NDB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), NITI Aayog and other development institutions.
During her keynote address, the Finance Minister noted the importance of strong institutions and partnerships, stating that the Northeast, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, has become a focal point in India's development agenda. She outlined eight key enablers essential for the region's next developmental phase, including leadership alignment between the Centre and States, institutional capacity for effective governance and an emphasis on human capital development.
Drawing attention to the region’s demographic strengths, particularly its youth and women leadership, the Minister called for increased investments in human capital and acknowledged the Government’s dedication to women-led development. She encouraged states to leverage multilateral financing not just for funding, but also to access global knowledge and best practices, thus enhancing governance and service delivery.
The Minister pointed out the vast potential for private investment in sectors like tourism, logistics, agribusiness and renewable energy, asserting that these investments could drive employment and sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, she highlighted the transformative impact of investments in transport and digital infrastructure, which enhance connectivity and align with India’s Act East Policy.
She illustrated the Northeast's ecological and cultural heritage as strategic assets that could position the region as a leader in eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.