Jorhat, Feb. 19: Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today traced his roots to China-Thailand as he courted Asean countries at the Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair here and stressed that by economic development he meant social justice. This is the first such fair to be held in Upper Assam.
Addressing the inaugural function at the Court Field-JDSA grounds, Gogoi said an international trade fair need not mean that the economy would develop overnight but was the beginning of building ties with South East Asia.
"Assam is strategically placed near countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal and Bangladesh and we have a lot in common with the people of Thailand - food habits, culture, humbleness and more. I have also come from China via Thailand," he said. Gogoi belongs to the Tai Ahom community, which ruled Assam for 600 years and wrought the greater Assamese community through assimilation with indigenous people.
Gogoi said the fair was a platform to build ties, which would later translate into investment, trade and commerce. He, however, said he was not for a totally capitalist economy but a balanced sustainable one which would benefit the masses. Gogoi later told reporters that he was for building Assam's medium, mini and cottage industries because no big industry can sustain without a strong base.
"The ambassadors of Afghanistan and some other countries have commented on our rich biodiversity. I told them that Assam was different. We would not exploit our natural resources to the extent that they get finished off soon. We have plenty of forest and wood and can have a good furniture industry. But if we cut one tree we should ensure that 10 trees are planted to sustain this industry," he said.
Pointing out the strategic importance of Assam in Look East policy, Gogoi said the state, once considered to be in a disadvantaged location because of poor connectivity, was today best positioned with neighbouring countries as it is through Assam that trade and commerce with other parts of the country and vice versa will be carried out. He regretted that the state was lagging in infrastructure and industries compared to other South East Asian countries but said this could turn into an advantage as they could use the latest technology at one go.
H.E.W. Kyaw Win, minister for electric and industry, Sagaing region, Myanmar, the partner country, sought the expertise and technology for hydroelectric power plants and other industries.
Sushil Kumar Saraf, president, Indo-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok, Thailand, the focus country, said the Northeast lacked adequate infrastructure and called for global standards.
Partner state Meghalaya represented by A.L. Hek laid out the prospects of investment in Meghalaya.
Rajendra Prasad Singh, parliamentary secretary, industry and commerce, praised the Northeast for growing 10 per cent annually and said the region could be an industrial corridor with seamless land connection once infrastructure was developed.
The trade fair has been organised by Finer in collaboration with Assam government.
