Infrastructure in NE must improve to boost trade: Ramesh

Shillong, Oct 19 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today expressed displeasure about the current state of infrastructure in the region.

This problem needs to be tackled in a "bolder way" to boost economic and trade related activities, Mr Ramesh said in a seminar on 'Look East Policy: Impact on North East India' here.

He also urged the Centre to discard laws like Restricted Area Permit, which create anti-investment atmosphere in the region.

Urging the NE state governments to identify specific items like ginger, roses, turmeric, anthurium, bamboo, Mr Ramesh said the region could become the largest producer and exporter of roses and other organic food items if they have surplus production.

In order to tap the horticulture potential of the region, the Minister said Union Ministry of Commerce and the department for Development of North East Region (DONER) will host a major investment summit for horticulture and food processing in December.

He said the summit would showcase the region's rich horticultural resources and help 'sell' the items to potential investors, both from the country and abroad.

Each state has been asked to present a project report, which would be prepared by the ICICI in consultation with the states, he added.

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