DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlights the need for enhanced multimodal connectivity and trade infrastructure in the Northeast Region to boost cross-border commerce. The NEEC Task Force aims to transform the region into an economic hub through strategic investment, sectoral growth, and regional cooperation.
Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening critical infrastructure and enhancing multimodal connectivity in the North Eastern Region (NER) during a high-level virtual meeting of the North-East Economic Corridor (NEEC) Task Force held on Wednesday.
Scindia emphasized the importance of robust connectivity within the region and across international borders to transform the NER into a thriving commercial and industrial hub. He underscored the need for developing trade infrastructure in the border areas to facilitate economic integration and regional cooperation with neighboring Asian countries.
The meeting marked the inaugural session of the High-Level Task Force on the NEEC, chaired by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who also serves as the Convener of the Task Force. The session was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with senior officials from the Manipur and Assam governments.
Highlighting the region’s pivotal role in India’s economic development, CM Lalduhoma stressed the importance of aligning infrastructure development with strategic economic goals. He stated that the Task Force’s objective is to assess the existing economic, infrastructure, and investment ecosystem in the NER and to formulate a comprehensive strategy for attracting both public and private investments. The strategy will be designed with measurable targets spanning short, medium, and long-term milestones.
According to an official statement from the Mizoram government, the NEEC initiative, under the Ministry of DoNER, is envisioned as a transformative platform aimed at boosting connectivity, trade, and overall economic growth in the NER.
The initiative focuses on enhancing intra-regional connectivity through the expansion of ports, roads, airports, railways, digital infrastructure, and power facilities. It also aims to promote major sectoral clusters including sericulture, bamboo, agarwood, rubber, tea, and agriculture—particularly high-value crops like kiwi and pineapple.
By establishing growth and border centers, the NEEC will tap into the local industrial potential, respond to market demand, and identify strategic development zones, thereby fostering a conducive environment for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The Mizoram Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena and other senior state officials. This Task Force is part of a larger initiative, following the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Agartala, Tripura last November, which aimed to foster coordinated development across northeastern states.
