INTERACTIVE SESSION ORGANISED BY SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CII-NORTH BENGAL AND MEA GOVT OF INDIA ON LOOK EAST POLICY.

Gangtok,Sikkim

An Interactive session was organized at Hotel Tashi Delek, Gangtok by Sikkim Chamber of Commerce with CII & Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India on 1 May 2010.

The purpose of the meeting was to interact with the local gentries involved in trade, commerce, border trade and industry in Sikkim.

His Excellency Ambassador Shri Rajiv Sikri who was the chief guest gave an overall picture on the Look East Policy of the Government of India and the changes which may take place in future over the whole North East Region and Bangladesh/Mynmar and South East Asian countries with the centre of business activity increasing in North east Region.

He highlighted the happy relationship that is emerging with Bangladesh which may ultimately lead to transportation of goods and passengers through Bangladesh between Kolkata and Guwahati. It will help us to procure cheap garments from Bangladesh and we on our part can find huge market for our factory products.

Shri Rajiv Sikri also informed that North-South highway between Mynmaar and China mainland is under progress and our National Highway can also get connected with North-South Highway in Myanmar and this will lead to massive transportation of goods between India and China through Land route.

He called upon the young entrepreneurs to see these changes and feel the pulse and make their work plan accordingly to take maximum benefits from the trade through China and South East Asia.

He termed the North east and south east Asia as the most dynamic region and the centre of prosperity will shift to North East Region over time. Even the inland water development with Bangladesh and North East Region can bring enormous fruit to the region.

Myanmar itself is a fertile land and huge quantity of pulses is imported into India from there.

Sikkim, he suggested should concentrate more on developing itself as an intellectual and educational hub besides its tourism industry.

He drew the attention of the crowd to the fact that Tibet is the third pole of the Globe and to maintain its ecological environment will be a boon to the whole world. Disturbing Tibet’s eco system will make plains of India and China desert.

Shri Rajiv Sikri retired as Secretary( East) MEA has wide experience in matters relating to this region- East Asia, Central Asia and South east Asia.

Earlier, in the welcome address Shri S.K.Sarda, President, Sikkim Chamber of Commerce gave a brief account of Sikkim resources and its potentiality for growth.

“Sikkim’s strategic location, varieties of topography and resulting climate and varieties of culture, flora and fauna makes it an attractive hot spot.

Nathu La, the shortest trade route between the two great ancient civilization of India & China which existed since many centuries is in Sikkim and the same got a rebirth on July 6, 2006 when under the dynamic leadership of our Chief Minister Dr Pawan Chamling it was inaugurated for first five years for border trade and then onwards for international trade. However, the slow progress of the trade volume thru Nathu la is the result of obsolete list of tradable items in trade list. This list needs to be made more practical and pragmatic.

The road widening work from Nathu la to Gangtok and from Gangtok to Siliguri has now started, but needs fillip inspite of handicaps of climate and hilly terrain. The foundation work for the rail and air network has since started. Possibility of setting up a dry port at Siliguri is under the active consideration of Union Government.

On the industrial front the North East Industrial Promotion Policy of Union Government has led to setting up of a number of Pharma units and a number of 5 star hotels are under various stages of development. The Industrial promotion policy will bring a great fillip on the tourism sector too as the beautiful and cool Sikkim’s terrain are a great attracting point for tourists both domestic and foreign.

In short, Sikkim strategic location, its positive human resource and the liberal plan outlay provided by Union Government guided by visionary leadership of Dr Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister, Government of Sikkim has made Sikkim a model State to inspire the other States of the Union for better governance.” Mr S.K.Sarda said

Shri T N Anantha Krishna, Director, MEA, Public diplomacy division, Govt of India also interacted with the audience which consists of trade and industry bodies, NGO’s and local gentry.

Shri Ram Gopal Jajodia- Chairman- CII- North Bengal gave an overall picture of growth and potentiality of North Bengal.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Secretary General, Sikkim Chamber of Commerce Shri Suresh Agarwal.

The programme was co ordinated by Shri Ramesh Periwal.