The first Business 20 (B20) Conference of North East India begins at Imphal today at the City Convention Centre. Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Nongthombam Biren Singh, Shri Som Prakash, Minister of State, Commerce & Industries, Government of India, Dr R K Ranjan Singh, Minister of State, External Affairs, Government of India and Dr Rajesh Kumar, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur was in the inaugural session.

Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Nongthombam Biren Singh said that Manipur has been recognized as the Most Improved Small State in Overall Category for three years in a row in the State of the States survey. This has been facilitated by improved security scenario. Bandhs and blockades are a thing of the past now. To promote investment in the State, new Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy of Manipur has been adopted. State Government is also considering setting up an Investment Promotion Agency to facilitate investments. To promote, “Ease of Doing Business” the Manipur Industrial Single Window Clearance Act, 2021 was enacted. He further informed the gathering, that given the importance of logistics, the Manipur Integrated Logistics Policy, 2022 was notified and to provide adequate land for developmental needs, Government also approved setting up of a Land Bank and Industrial Estates in Manipur are being made available on lease. Lease Rules to regulate use of Government land for projects and partnerships have been framed. Under Manipur Public Procurement Policy, preferences are given to products made in Manipur for government purchases.

Shri Som Prakash, Minister of State, Commerce & Industries, Government of India said that the north-east region of India possesses abundant natural resources, including potential for 50000 MW of hydroelectric power and a wealth of fossil fuels. The Government of India is giving special focus to the North-Eastern Region. All central government departments are required to allocate 10% of their budget for the region and the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region has been established to coordinate development efforts. Efforts have been made to improve infrastructure in the region, including intra-state, inter-state, and cross-border. The initiative for North East Region announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 with an initial allocation of Rs 1,500 crore, aims to establish dedicated services for managing cancer. He further added that Manipur is a prime location with a vibrant culture.

Dr R K Ranjan Singh, Minister of State, External Affairs, Government of India said in his keynote address that the availability of exportable resources coupled with the locational advantage, offers the opportunity of medical tourism through Ayurvedic therapies & traditional medical treatments- transforming North East India into a successful international destination. The business community of North East and Manipur, in particular, is eager to showcase its business potential. Manipuris have organically developed, made a mark and created a brand value for themselves, in the hospitality and care-giving sector. These sectors need to be pushed for international partnerships now, to enable our youth to reap their full potential.  He further said Imphal has a population with huge skills advantage which is artistic and creative by nature. This has found expression in their handloom and handicraft products, which are world-famous for their designs, ingenuity, colorfulness and usefulness.

In the plenary session, Dr Kh Palin Chairman & Managing Director, Shija Hospitals & Research Institute spoke on Health Care and Medical Tourism highlighting the potential Manipur has and also mentioned that the industry is bound to grow in the next few years.

Dr Thangjam Dhabali Singh Chairman & Managing Director, Babina Healthcare and Hospitality Industries Pvt Ltd addressed the discussion on Tourism and Hospitality. He focused on the regions rich cultural heritage and how it could provide employment to many people in the State. He said that connectivity has improved in the last decade, including air connectivity. He also spoke on the resources the State can offer in term of tourism and highlighted the opportunities for investment in these sectors.

Haobam Joyremba CEO and Managing Director, Cube Ten Technologies Pt Ltd & Mr Nambam Deben, Director (IT), Government of Manipur addressed the plenary session on Information & Communication Technology (ICT) while, L Manoranjan Singh Chief Executive Officer K B Philanthropy addressed on the opportunities on Handloom and Textiles.

Delegates from Australia, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Chad, Canada, China , France, Greece, Ghana, Iceland, Japan, Nepal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, Togo, Uganda, United States are participating this mega event.

Delegates from Overseas Trade Delegation - Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Asia Supporting Organization, APO, JAPAN, India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bilateral Organisation - Indian Association of Japan, Indo Icelandic Business Association were among the participants.

Besides, diplomats – Ambassadors from the Embassy of The Republic of Tunisia, High Commissioner - Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner- High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles, New Delhi, Deputy Head of Mission - Embassy of Iceland, Chargé d’Affaires /Head of Mission - High Commission of Togo in India were part of the B20 event.

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