Shillong, June 19: A seminar on ‘Leveraging Externally Aided Projects in Northeastern States’ was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Shillong on Friday.
Besides Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, his counterparts from Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, and officials from Department of Economic Affairs, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), German Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the occasion, the Union Finance Minister said the seminar on strengthening institution capacity in the North Eastern region is important for building stronger institutions and capacities for growth.
“This two-day workshop brings together policy makers, development partners from across the North Eastern region reflecting the spirit of cooperation, partnership and a shared purpose that has increasingly come to define the development journey of this region,” she said.
She further informed that over the last decade significant investments have improved infrastructure, expanded connectivity, strengthened social services and enhanced economic opportunities across the region.
“The next phase will require more than investments alone requiring stronger institutions, greater implementation capacity, deeper partnerships and the ability to convert opportunities into lasting development outcomes.”
She further said that the objective is not merely to discuss projects of financing but to build stronger systems, institutions and stronger capacities that can accelerate the transformation of the North eastern region and enable every state to fully realise its potential.
The Minister further emphasised on eight important enablers for the development of the eight states and the region creating the foundations of sustainable and inclusive of the region.
Outlining the enablers she emphasised on the need for leadership, institutional capacity, human capital, women-led development, development finance, private investment, connectivity, nature, culture and sustainable development.
She also said the Department of Economic Affairs is closely working with multilateral and bilateral partners to support India’s development priorities among for better outcomes for citizens.
“The discussions over the next two days will be valuable in shaping the next phase of development in the North Eastern region,” she said and encouraged participating states to learn from successful experiences and build enduring systems that outlast individual projects.
In conclusion she said that the North East stands at the confluence of opportunity, aspiration and strategic importance with the future unfolding as a story of potential transformed into prosperity, connectivity into opportunity and investment into livelihoods.
In his address, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma highlighted the importance of utilising programs and schemes for then overall economic journey of the states, region and the nation.
He discussed the impact of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North East and highlighted 15 EAPs in the state covering natural resource management, health, nutrition, environment and infrastructure .
On financial challenges and growth projections the Chief Minister discussed the impact of the finance commission’s recommendation on the north East states’ share of simple taxes and urged the removal of caps on EAPs and to allow states to build on their capacity and take maximum advantage of available projects.
He also stressed on the importance of collaboration among North Eastern states for various sectors including tourism, agriculture, youth development etc.
