Speaking at the inaugural function of the second edition of three-day International Tourism Mart, the Chief Minister said the highway will herald growth of international trade and tourism and be a harbinger of bilateral relations among the nations of South East Asia and North East India.
This in turn would serve to end the insurgency menace, mushrooming of youth organisations and avoidable crimes in the region for lack of socio-economic development, he said.
He pointed out that the Gopinath Bordoloi Airport at Guwahati has been made an international airport to air-link most South East Asian countries to give an impetus to the tourism industry.
Besides this, the Harmuti-Itanagar railway line is nearing completion while construction of a greenfield airport at Itanagar would be started soon to improve air connective, he said.
Organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism with the Northeastern states, the international mart would highlight the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets.
"You came as strangers, but must leave as friends and forge a lasting partnership with the representatives of the travel industry of Northeast India in generating good business for the region," the CM said in an appeal to delegates.
He said promotion of tourism sector was top most priority for his state government as it could generate massive self employment avenues while enriching the state exchequer.