Shillong, June 4, 2026: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday called for a coordinated and integrated approach to development across Northeast India, stressing the need for stronger connectivity, trade infrastructure, tourism promotion, and youth empowerment to unlock the region's economic potential.
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| Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma presents the NEEC Final Report to Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the 73rd NEC Plenary in Shillong. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The Chief Minister was addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held at the Meghalaya State Convention Centre in Shillong. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who also serves as Chairman of the NEC, and attended by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of State for DoNER Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Chief Ministers of Northeastern states, and senior government officials.
During the plenary, Lalduhoma formally submitted the Final Report of the High-Level Task Force on the Northeast Economic Corridor (NEEC) to Amit Shah. The task force, constituted under the Ministry of DoNER, was chaired by Lalduhoma in his capacity as Convener.
Addressing the gathering, the Mizoram Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East Policy has provided a strong vision for the development of the Northeast and positioned the region as a potential driver of India's future economic growth. He noted that the Northeast enjoys strategic geographical advantages and possesses abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and human capital that can be harnessed for sustainable development.
Lalduhoma emphasized that connectivity remains the most critical requirement for the region's transformation. He proposed a "One-Grid Approach" that would integrate roads, railways, air connectivity, waterways, power infrastructure, telecommunications, and logistics networks into a unified development framework.
Highlighting the significance of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which is nearing completion, he said Northeastern states must prepare themselves to maximize the opportunities that the project will create. He urged the Ministry of DoNER to support initiatives focused on investment readiness, trade preparedness, skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, border infrastructure, logistics hubs, and community confidence-building measures.
The Chief Minister also advocated a cluster-based approach to investment promotion rather than isolated projects. He identified key sectors such as bamboo, agriculture and horticulture value chains, food processing, textiles, eco-tourism, green energy, and digital services as areas where coordinated investments could generate substantial benefits across the region.
Tourism, he said, should be developed through a common Northeast branding strategy and integrated tourism circuits that allow states to collectively attract domestic and international visitors. He further stressed that trade and logistics are inseparable components of regional development and said the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Act East Policy provide an opportunity to transform the Northeast into a major trade and logistics gateway connecting India with Southeast Asia.
Lalduhoma also called for more effective implementation of the 10 per cent Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) earmarked for the Northeast. He suggested the establishment of a dedicated coordination mechanism under either the NEC or the Ministry of DoNER to ensure better planning and execution of development projects.
Focusing on human capital, the Chief Minister described the youth of the Northeast as the region's greatest resource. He called for enhanced investments in skill development, incubation centres, tourism and hospitality training, logistics management, agri-business, green technologies, and start-up ecosystems.
To improve project implementation, Lalduhoma proposed the establishment of Project Implementation Units (PIUs) in every Northeastern state to accelerate project approvals and execution under DoNER-funded schemes.
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The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the Centre for recognising Mizoram as the "Ginger Capital of India" and for supporting the state's Mizoram Ginger USP Project. He highlighted the proposed Thenzawl Peace City initiative, describing it as a future hub for tourism, education, healthcare, sports, and agro-based industries.
Speaking on the Northeast Economic Corridor report, Lalduhoma said its recommendations could significantly strengthen regional connectivity, tourism, trade, logistics, and investment flows across all Northeastern states. He noted that the corridor framework seeks to create a shared vision for economic integration and inclusive development throughout the region.
The 73rd NEC Plenary concluded with discussions on strategies for accelerating growth, improving infrastructure, and strengthening regional cooperation as Northeast India positions itself as a key pillar of India's Act East ambitions.
