Untapped Opportunities- “Look East” policy to “Act East” policy

India’s growth story needs to be comprehensive by including all possible members to achieve an economic superior status. But, the country’s north eastern region has been suffering a comparatively sluggish pace of industrialization and least business activities. Though the region has abundant natural resources for manufacturing sector, they have not been used and developed to their total potential. Some inherent problems are associated with this region like distance from the mainland country. But it is also strategically located near adjacent countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar apart from the native market it has. The region is also a vantage entrance point for the South-East Asian marketplaces. The resource-rich north east with its areas of rich countryside and a relevant talent pool could turn into one of India’s most flourishing regions. But as mentioned above, some very serious problems like meagre infrastructure and connectivity, unemployment at its heights, low economic development, ever increasing law and order problems etc. are hindering its development.

A ray of hope has come in from the government in the form of a declaration of a 3,200-km lengthy trilateral highway connecting India, Myanmar and Thailand and it is expected to see the light of the day in 2016 if it doesn’t face unnatural problems. The main aim will be regional co-and quick growth through development in network and connectivity through road and transport infrastructure. Initially global and then regional co-operation amongst these geographically neighboring countries is expected to highlight trade relation by profitably organizing local resources and optimally utilizing them. It will play a decisive role in enhancing trade and investment flows in the three neighboring countries, creating lots of employment opportunities and other benefits. Once effective, the finished project will further enhance connectivity and open huge business opportunities for the untapped region.

So, all we can expect is the speedy completion of the project from all stakeholders and soon the face of North Eastern region will change.

Bharatiya Pandiya
Rs178@iiita.ac.in