Investors meet kicks off in Nagaland

Kohima, Mar 28 (UNI) In an effort to boost agriculture in North East region the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) kicked-off an investors' meet with eager participation from industrial sectors from across the country at the NE Expo Ground.

The meet with the theme''Government-Investors conclave on development of agri businesses in North-Eastern region through partinerships'', last evening evoked keen interest among the various participating state governments of the region, who would vie among themselves to woo investors in their respective states.

Representatives from all states made presentations on strategic vision and plans for agri-investments and drew attention on floriculture, bamboo, tea, coffee, rubber and spices, among other agri business products.

Speaking at the meet, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said, ''The region has tremendous potential of agri-business activities in livestock, dairy and poultry sectors and the investors can focus on these economic potentials of the region, which can be converted as an export hub for accessing neighbouring countries' markets like China, Myanmar and Bangladesh''.

Acknowledging the NE region as the leading states in food processing in the country, Mr Pawar urged NE states to make all efforts to woo the investors by ensuring support to the intending parties.

He pointed out that the country registered 3.4 per cent growth in agriculture sector for 2005-06 and his Ministry is aiming for four per cent growth in 2006-2007.

Speaking at the meet, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that ''investments in NE will be a win-win situation for investors and beneficiaries'', impressing upon the captains of industries and financial institutes, the latent natural potentialities of the region.

Banking on the ongoing peace dialogue between the Centre and Naga insurgents, Mr Rio asserted that peace had returned to the state, which he termed as the 'main requirement' for development.

Mr Rio said Nagaland has adopted the policy of ''Peace for development, development for peace''.

He assured the private sector of all possible support and and pointed out that private players had already forayed into Nagaland, adding, Likimro hydro electrical power project has already tied up with a Korean agency and the Referral Hospital of Dimapur has been taken over by a private party.

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahay said the financial investors must be available to boost the region's agriculture.

UNI AS SP VJ RK1425