Eastward Ho! North east India- ASEAN Connectivity: Core issues to be addressed......
During my travels to the international border areas in the region and after being appointed Advisor to the Border Trade & Chamber of Commerce, Moreh town, Manipur, I have interacted extensively with the local population. Based on my observations, I would like to suggest the following core issues that need to be addressed to boost trade and employment in these areas. 1) Ministries such as the Ministry of DONER should have one member at least from each of the North Eastern states to enable each state to put forward their point of view regarding trade and development in their respective states. 2) Active engagement of Institutes like the EXIM Bank, NEDFI, NABARD, APEDA and ECGC. These respective Institutes can hold Awareness & Information Seminars and Interactive sessions from time to time in these areas with the active engagement of the local trade bodies. 3) A core committee can be formed with representation from every state that has an Internatio...