NE growth gathers steam: Modi

BOBBETA GOGOI& RC SAIKIA

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country’s engine of growth would gather more steam as the north east Indian state of Assam is going to beckon more global investors. Opening the two days global investors’ summit in Guwahati on Saturday, the prime minister said the event will help the north eastern region and its people see the face of development in a balanced manner.

 He called ‘Advantage Assam: India’s Expressway to ASEAN’ an appropriate one to spread a huge message to the world. He said,” it is more than a statement. In fact it is a comprehensive vision.” The Prime Minister observed that the entire northeastern region of eight states is at the heart of India’s Act East Policy to connect the Southeast Asia.

 Modi said “We have created the Act East Policy with northeast at the Centre. The Act East Policy requires increased people to people contact, trade ties and other relations with countries on India’s east, particularly Asean countries.” He said his government has the clear vision of development in the eastern part and that the fast pace of development will be useful if the north eastern people develop.

 Union ministers Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Suresh Prabhu, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Smriti Irani, Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju attended the summit which ends on Sunday.