Aizawl, Apr 23: Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma chaired the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the North East Economic Corridor (NEEC) on Wednesday via video conference. Pu Lalduhoma also serves as the Convener of the Task Force.

In his remarks, the Chief Minister stressed the strategic importance of the North Eastern Region (NER) in India’s economic development and called for strengthened regional cooperation with Asian countries. He stated that the Task Force was formed to assess the current economic, infrastructure, and investment landscape in the region, identify priority sectors, and develop strategies to attract both public and private investments.

The Task Force will also align its objectives with short, medium, and long-term developmental targets.

The NEEC is an initiative under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade, and economic growth in the NER. It focuses on improving intra-regional infrastructure such as roads, ports, airports, railways, digital connectivity, and power systems. Sectoral development in bamboo, agarwood, rubber, sericulture, tea, and high-value crops like kiwi and pineapple is also part of the initiative.

The corridor aims to establish growth and border centres, assess local industries, meet market demands, and identify zones for targeted development, with the goal of encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the region.

Key participants in the meeting included Union DoNER Minister Pu Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Meghalaya Chief Minister Pu Conrad Sangma, Assam Chief Minister Pu Himanta Biswa Sharma, and Manipur Governor Pu Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma was joined by Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena, Planning Commissioner Pu Vanlaldina Fanai, Planning Secretary Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau, and other senior officials.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena.