Thai team's NE visit to focus on infrastructure development

Guwahati, June 23 (UNI) The visiting Thai business delegation, led by Commerce Minister Krirk-Krai Jirapaet, today held extensive talks with Asom government representatives on possible investments in road infrastructure, railways, inland water transport and hydro-power projects.

Disclosing this at a press meet here, Union Development of North East Region (DoNER) Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said, ''The response of the delegation has been good and we can expect positive results.'' He pointed out that Mr Jirapaet was the first foreign minister to visit the North East (NE) for fostering economic bonds.

Mr Aiyar said, ''The visit is a historical breakthrough toward world recognition for concentrating on NE.'' Elaborating on the discussions between the Thai delegates and the government representatives, the Minister said it discussed the possibilities of investments and borrowing Thai expertise for development of the region.

On road infrastructure development in the region, Mr Aiyar said the Central government was considering a Rs 50,000 crore investment in the sector for NE but lack of absorptive capacity was holding back the plan and Thailand's excess capacity in this sector could be roped in.

The meeting also deliberated on detailed consultation for acceleration of the railway track gauge conversion project in the area, besides benefiting from Thai expertise in development of inland water transport.

On cooperation in the hydro-power sector, Mr Aiyar said, ''We hope the Thailand Power Corporation will take up power contracts in the region.'' Talking to newsmen on the sidelines of the meeting, Director of the Board of Trade, Thailand, Dato Satish Sehgal said, ''The visit has been an eye-opener. We are here to explore trading and investment opportunities.'' He identified tourism and food processing as sectors with tremendous potential, besides joint ventures in road transport infrastructure development.

Mr Sehgal also informed that a Thailand-based company has evinced interest to set up a 3-star hotel in Agartala. The feasibility of the proposed 100-bed hotel to be built at the cost of Rs 30 lakh per room is being studied.

The primary objective of the Thai delegation visit was to facilitate private sector contacts. The delegation comprised of representatives of all trade and investment promotion agencies and biggest corporations of Thailand.

Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh also accompanied the delegation on the four-day NE visit.

The delegation has already visited Agartala, where the thrust areas of trade were rubber, bamboo, handicrafts and handlooms. They would proceed to Shillong tomorrow.

UNI