Aiyar reviews investment projects in NE

{image-manishankar aiyar_16052008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Agartala, May 16: Minister for Development of Northeast Region (DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyar has reviewed the progress of the various projects undertaken by investors in the region.

Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Secretary General Rajeev Singh said here today that Mr Aiyar had expressed his appreciation of the steps taken by several investors, especially in capacity building of NIIT in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, having already invested Rs 170 crore and planned investment of Rs 200 crore and expansion to the other NE states in the fields of IT infrastructure and IT education.

The DoNER Minister undertook the review at the conclusion of the North East Council (NEC) Plenary session here for adoption of the Vision 2020 document early this week, subsequent to the ICC-organised NE Business Summit, NE Thai Investment Week and the recent Business delegation to Australia, led by Mr Aiyar.

Referring to the recent investment plans in the NE, Mr Singh said the Manmohan Bricks of Lakhimpur in Assam was lauded for securing large export orders for their innovative lightweight tiles while the DS Group had informed about their proposals for investing Rs 3,000 crore in the NE, including setting up of a steel plant in Tripura and move for first five star hotel of the region at Guwahati in collaboration with the Radissons.

He also informed that Mr Aiyar had requested the ICC to work out initiatives to further business and trade relations with Bangladesh.

Among other issues, availability of power, gas and finance required for the projects, improvement of infrastructure and easier clearance of business visas to Bangladesh were also discussed, Mr Singh said, adding that a large group of investors interacted closely with the Minister and senior government and ICC officials whereby specific directions were given for speeding up of the projects which would enhance economic growth in the NE region.

UNI