Roundtable discussion: NICCI VP KC stresses potential of establishing ICEC in NER

KATHMANDU: Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and other stakeholders participated in a roundtable discussion on 'Inter-Country Economic Corridor (ICEC) in North East India' in Guwahati, Assam last week.

The discussion, organised under India's Act East through North East Policy, aimed to enhance India's ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region through the establishment of ICEC.

The discussion began with a welcome from Ranjit Barthakur, Chairman of the FICCI Northeast Advisory Council. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma. Other attendees included Manvendra Pratap Singh, Secretary of the Government of Assam's Act East Policy Affairs; CSR Ram, Joint Secretary of MEA's BIMSTEC and SAARC Division; Naveen Srivastava, Indian Ambassador to Nepal; and Taranagh Adhikari, Minister (Economic) at the Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi.

Speakers from various sectors, including ambassadors from countries such as Bhutan and Nepal, representatives from governmental bodies, and experts from organisations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, delivered addresses.

NICCI Vice President and Founder of Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) Sunil KC was among the speakers at the programme. He highlighted the importance of North East India as a gateway to Southeast Asia, emphasizing the need for economic ties for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

He underscored NICCI's role in increasing trade volume, creating jobs, developing infrastructure, and promoting growth, highlighting the benefits of an ICEC. He stressed the need for infrastructure, trade flows, and policy coordination for the success of such initiatives. KC also emphasised the importance of socio-economic development and growth, focusing on communities, environmental sustainability, and responsible development practices.

KC reiterated the potential of establishing an ICEC in North East India and stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and international partners, to realise the vision of a sustainable economic corridor that benefits all stakeholders in the region.

The discussion provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at fostering regional cooperation and achieving prosperity in North East India.