NE states should engage more with the ASEAN region: Sangma

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said north-eastern states should engage more with neigbouring nations and the larger ASEAN region to promote trade, commerce and cultural relations.

Speaking at the 10th Edition of Delhi Dialogue in New Delhi, Conrad said Meghalaya has accorded top priority in providing all-weather road connectivity and accessibility to market centres, production centres and rural settlements to incentivise farmers and augment production.

"This priority sector requires full-scale development for promotion of trade, tourism, cultural exchange and technology transfer," an official release here quoted Sangma as saying.

The Delhi Dialogue was also attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh and chief ministers of the north-eastern states, besides other officials.

"Connectivity in the form of roads, railways and airways linking the state to the ASEAN countries is vital for growth and development. These communication networks play dynamic roles as 'veins and arteries' for flow of goods, services and persons within and outside the country," he said.

He also spoke about Meghalaya's huge scope for export of high value agro-horticultural products like turmeric, ginger, fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, etc.

"The state government is taking active steps to ensure that the huge potential for organic farming is met by creation of certification agencies and promotion of organic farming," the chief minister said.