Guwahati: FINER in association with Northeast MPs Forum organised an interactive session with the MPs and ministers from the region to discuss the policy dispensation and development imperatives required for the Northeast to catapult the region to a higher growth trajectory.

Speaking on the occasion. Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Law and Justice, and Chairman of North-east MPs' Forum said he understands the growing need for a new and better policy, and how it can impact the growth and development of the North-east region.

He further assured full commitment and support of the MPS Forum to push for a better policy which is on the anvil. Twenty-six MPs of the North-east cutting across party lines were present including Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Law and Justice, and Chairman of North-east MPs' Forum, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Port, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Rameshwar Teli, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Labor and Employment, and Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, a press release said.

Earlier, welcoming the participants, Pabitra Buragohain, President, FINER, said it is important to revisit the challenges and opportunities of the region and, through a common platform of NE MPs' Forum, Ministry for the Development of North-east Region, and FINER, take up issues which are significant and relevant to growth and development of the region.

He also stressed the importance of expediting infrastructure and connectivity work and addressing the issues of border points to make the Act East Policy a reality.

The meeting discussed creating a consensus to urge for a new industrial policy with enhanced incentives for a minimum of 10 years, additional incentives for the MSME sector, steps for easing transportation bottlenecks, and development of waterways to spur trade with South Asia and Southeast Asia. Dr. KK Dwivedi, Principal Secretary, Industry and Commerce, Govt of Assam, made a presentation on the industrial and economic scenarios.

He said for the region to get back to the glory of pre-independence time, it is imperative to have a level playing field with a special economic package and special policy which can generate more employment and raise per capita income.

Sandeep Khaitan, Director, FINER, presented the views of the industry capturing the enablers to build a robust ecosystem to spur industrial growth and highlighted the sectors with a competitive advantage.

Bajrang Lohia, Vice-President, while delivering the concluding remarks thanked the ministers and MPs for joining the session and showing their support and commitment.

He said for the industry to achieve a higher growth trajectory and be sustainable, it is important to have a favorable environment and efficient enablers in terms of policy, infrastructure, and access to finance.