Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha stressed for creation of a separate marketing policy for marketing of Northeast based agriculture and horticulture products.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who is also the convener of Task Force Northeast Council (NEC) under DoNER Ministry participating in the first video conference meeting of the task force, expressed his opinion that a product based roadmap should be prepared.

Dr Saha said that proper coordination among all the Northeast states should be strengthened for creation of a specific marketing policy for all agri and horti products from Northeast states.

During the meeting, Dr Saha also highlighted over setting up a Urea based factory, bamboo and rubber based industries, opening of edible oil factories and expansion of tourism industries across the region.

The meeting has elaborate discussion over expansion of tourism based industries in the region by promoting eco-tourism and formation of a Northeast Tourist Circuit and Dr Saha stressed for pro-tourist air services and investment in the tourism sector.

 Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of MDoNER speaking in the meeting also highlighted the rise of agri-production in NE states through proper implementation of digital mapping technology, value addition of agri products, marketing of agri products through public-private model. He also said that by formation of an investment promotion agency, the possibilities of more investment in the agri sector should be strengthened. The DoNER minister said that the NE states should follow the steps taken by some South Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia, where large numbers of tourists visit these countries.

It may be recalled here that on March 15, in a significant development, to boost the investment promotion in the North East Region, the Ministry of Development of North East region has formed a high-level Task Force making Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha as the Convener.

During the 72nd Plenary of North Eastern Council held on 21st December 2024 at Agartala, Tripura, it was decided to constitute a High-Level Task Force on Investment Promotion in NER involving CMs of North Eastern States.

Accordingly, it has been decided to constitute a High-Level Task Force in which Dr Saha appointed as Convener, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of MDoNER, Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and Prem Singh Tamang Chief Minister of Sikkim appointed as Members of the Task Force.

"Assess the existing investment ecosystem, including policies, incentives, and infrastructure in NER. Develop a strategic roadmap to position NER as a preferred investment destination for priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, logistics, IT, and renewable energy. Highlight high-potential sectors and regions within NER to create focused investment clusters for promotion of sectoral hubs such as agro-processing zones, tourism circuits, IT parks, and renewable energy corridors etc. Developing strategies to attract both domestic and international investments in the priority sectors, with emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs)" are the main task of theTask Force.

The task force will also recommend policy reforms to streamline approvals, enhance ease of doing business, and address investor concerns.