Centre lines up Rs 31,000 cr for NE infra development

The Centre has lined up "massive investments" to the tune of Rs 31,000 crore for infrastructure development of North-Eastern Region in the 11th plan, said Union industry and commerce minister Anand Sharma.

"In the current plan, massive investments have been lined up for infrastructure development of North-Eastern Region. We would be investing Rs 31,000 crore in these five years which will bring a change in the infrastructure scenario of the region," said Shamra.

Sharma was here to inaugurate an international plastic fair here in Guwahati last week. He also took part in a conclave of industry ministers of North-Eastern states.

"I had a very useful interaction with all the concerned states. It has helped us in identifying clearly the areas for industrial investment and expansion in this region," Shamra added.

He said that "special attention" was being given by the centre for acceleration of development of North-East.

Shamra, while inaugurating the plastic fair, said that India had signed a 'Trade in Goods Agreement' with the Asean and a 'Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement' (CEPA) with Korea, which have become operational from January this year. According to him, these agreements will throw up large opportunities of investment and trade, and has the potential of especially benefitting North Eastern region of the country.

The 4-daylong plastic fair has been organised keeping an eye on the upcoming Assam Gas Cracker Project which is scheduled for completion by 2012 and is expected to open up new vistas of opportunities in the field of plastics.