M Chuba Ao
It is futile and difficult to separate governance from business and economy. At the same time, it will be imperative to underline that G20 reflects the economic order of contemporary settings.The G20 meet at Kohima on April 5 is part of the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community. The B20 aims to deliver concrete actionable policy recommendations to boost economic growth and development.
Therefore, each one of us - the Naga citizens and leaders of political parties and socio-political organisationsand business chambers have to appreciate the initiative to host such an illustrious, unprecedented and mega eventin Nagaland.
The Summit will actually provide an opportunity on exploring business opportunities in tourism, hospitality,agriculture, ethnic Naga cuisine, horticulture and identification and promotion of herbal scienceand organic farming. As we sit to ponder about the event that will be hosted at Kohima by the NDPP-BJPgovernment, one feels grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary decision to bring the G20 at ourdoorsteps.
More than 70 delegates will be from foreign countries, while business corporate from India and foreign countries will also join. When was the last time such a thing in business, trade and economy was hosted in Nagaland? We must admitthat without industries, Nagaland cannot grow and without investments the industries cannot be dreamed even.
It is well known that insurgency has harmed investment atmosphere in Nagaland for decades now. The peace processthus has its own special significance. But at the same time, we Nagas must appreciate the Government of Indiafor anchoring such a major initiative for Nagaland. This also implies that insurgency as a threat to businesshonchos should become a thing of past. We owe it to ourselves to ensure an atmosphere of peace andprosperity.
Having said these, there is a need to appreciate that the business community always plays a crucial role in the development of a nation and a far-flung region like our northeastern India. Prime Minister Modi by hisvisionary approach has linked India's completion of 75 years of Independence in 2022 with a new goal.And the road map to achieve a cherished goal of a developed nation by 2047 is now popularly called Amritkal --that is the journey from 75th year to the 100th.
It is imperative for India to position itself for global leadership. The role played by the Indian industry and corporatesector will be central to the country’s progress and success of the nation. Under India’s G20 Presidency, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of Indiais the nodal Ministry for the B20 engagements.
The centre is thus organizing B20 Conferences in the North Eastern region including Kohima to showcase the untapped potential and opportunities within the region. Other centres selected for such conferences areGangtok, Imphal and Aizawl.
The Business Summit and B20 Conferences have been already held in Imphal in Manipur, Aizawl in Mizoram and Sikkim capital Gangtok.
The mega event in Kohima on April 5th will thus provide numerous opportunities to educate oneself, one's societyand one's own state. Let me try to analyse a few points on how things can be turned into advantage for Nagalandand Naga society.
First, we may focus on Research and Human Resource Development, Technological innovation and scaling up the skills. These will be key drivers of economic development, a fundamental lever in fighting climatechange, and a powerful enabler of social inclusion. Second key issue would be -- Developing a framework for financial inclusion to create an environment for innovation in the financial sector is necessary. Thus digital financial inclusion and sharing best practices frameworks will be also crucial.
The conferences will give us scopes and lessons to deal with the unexpected choke points in supply chains, volatile prices, and unavailability of goods. We may then address issues of establishing trade open across borders and establishing coordinated mechanisms for risk monitoring and also focus onsteps in preventing future roadblocks.
Final Takeaway:
Of course at the national level, the Modi government is pursuing a policy to boost manufacturing and exports.The endeavour of Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign is to achieve a five trillion dollar economy. India will be a USD 3.7 trillion economy in 2023, maintaining its lead over the UK as the fifth largest economy of the world.
Experts say at least 35 to 40 percent of the same should come from global trade. Here traditional Naga handicrafts, Naga food and agri and horticulture products can emergeas real game changers. PM Modi had some time back spoken about Naga Jhalokia (red chili).
Nagaland can take advantage of bilateral economic relationships between India and various western, South East Asian and African countries.
As India sees a lot of potential of good economic relationships with some smaller countries includingin ASEAN region, Nagaland can make use of the new initiatives.
We often get to read and hear that the Economic diplomacy is now the new push. On this backdrop, there is a sense to underline that India's foreign policy must be geared up to seek trade openings. Nagaland has to takeadvantage.
The writer is BJP national vice president and in-charge Meghalaya
