A round-table discussion on European Union investments aimed at strengthening economic development in the Northeast was held in Shillong on Tuesday. Organized by the Asian Confluence in collaboration with the Centre for Responsible Business, the session brought together scholars, senior media professionals, institutional leaders, and government officials from Meghalaya, among others.
The session was initiated by Franck Viault, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to India and Bhutan. Viault emphasized the growing importance of EU-India collaboration, particularly in unlocking economic opportunities for the Northeast region. He highlighted the significant role the EU can play in sustainable development through strategic investments and partnerships.
The discussion focused on several critical areas essential for the region’s economic growth. A key topic was the development of a value chain for the Northeast, enabling the region to leverage its unique strengths and natural resources. Participants highlighted the need to increase the volume and market readiness of key regional commodities, which could significantly contribute to the region’s economic progress.
One of the standout topics was the potential of the bio-economy in the Northeast. The region’s rich biodiversity presents unique opportunities for sustainable economic development, with participants stressing the importance of capitalizing on these resources for long-term growth.
Another key issue discussed was ensuring that investments in the region are climate-proof. With the increasing impacts of climate change, the need to align investments with global sustainability goals was emphasized to make the Northeast more resilient to environmental changes.
Additionally, a proposal for establishing a visa processing centre in Northeast India was put forward to enhance mobility and foster deeper collaboration between the Northeast and European counterparts. This, participants noted, would support stronger economic and cultural ties between the two regions.
The discussion was a follow-up to the series of round-table meetings that followed the ‘Global Gateway’ conference, hosted in June 2023 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the EU, and the Asian Confluence. The event served as an important platform for exploring actionable pathways for fostering EU investment in Northeast India, with a strong emphasis on aligning economic growth with sustainability and regional priorities.
The Asian Confluence, which initiates and accelerates the revival of shared civilizational values between India and Southeast and East Asia, continues to play a significant role in strengthening ecological, intellectual, economic, technological, political, and security ties.
