Asian Confluence hosted a roundtable on European Union Investments for North East India Economic Development
Asian Confluence hosted a roundtable on European Union Investments for North East India Economic Development
On 10th December 2024; Asian Confluence, in collaboration with the Centre for Responsible Business, organized an interactive roundtable discussion titled "European Union Investments for North East India Economic Development."
The session was initiated by Mr. Franck Viault, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to India and Bhutan, who underscored the importance of EU-India collaboration and highlighted the opportunities the EU can offer to foster economic development in Northeast India.
The discussion brought together a diverse group of participants, including scholars, senior media professionals, institutional leaders, and senior government officials from Meghalaya. The conversation emphasized the potential of enhanced cooperation between India and the European Union to unlock economic opportunities in the region.
One of the key areas discussed was the need to develop a robust value chain for the Northeast, enabling the region to capitalize on its unique strengths and natural resources. The importance of increasing the volume and market readiness of key regional commodities was also highlighted as a critical factor in driving economic growth.
The bio-economy emerged as a promising investment area, with participants stressing the potential for sustainable development by leveraging the region’s rich biodiversity. Additionally, the establishment of a visa processing center in Northeast India was proposed to enhance mobility and facilitate collaboration with European counterparts.
Another crucial aspect discussed was the need to ensure that all investments in the region are climate-proof, aligning with global sustainability goals and making the Northeast more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
This roundtable is a follow-up to the series of roundtables held after the “Global Gateway” conference hosted by MEA, EU, and Asian Confluence in June 2023. This roundtable served as a crucial platform to explore actionable pathways for fostering EU investment in Northeast India, aligning economic growth with sustainability and regional priorities.