By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Guwahati: British Deputy High Commissioner Furssedonn Wood said that a delegation of British parliamentarians is likely to visit Assam as part of goodwill visit to India in the first part of next year.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata, also met Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi in this regard.
He also apprised the Chief Minister about the keen interests evinced by UK investors to invest in infrastructure sector in the State. The Chief Minister told the British Deputy High Commissioner that the law and situation has improved considerably and the atmosphere is conducive for investments in the State.
“The law and order situation has improved considerably and international events like ISL matches bear testimony to the congenial atmosphere prevailing in the State today. More and more investors are showing interests in investing in different sectors in the State. Land prices have also soared,” he added.
On the present political scenario of the state, the Chief Minister opined that polarisation politics on the basis of religion would not stay for long, as people want problems like unemployment, illiteracy and poverty to be properly addressed.
“I have seen the ups and downs in politics and I can say with confidence that people want development above all things. Polarisation politics would not stay for long,” he said.
Gogoi also underlined the geographical importance of Assam in context of better connectivity with neighbouring States and its close proximity with South East Asian countries. “Assam can be a hub for investors interested in establishing and expanding business in North East and South East Asian region,” he said, adding, “Good relations with neighbouring countries are a must for peace, progress and prosperity.”
In this context, he underlined the need for strengthening relationship with Bangladesh for better connectivity through railways and waterways.
The Chief Minister told the visiting dignitary that people of Assam and North East India are very hospitable and due to their physical and cultural affinities with people of neighbouring countries can bring in immense benefits to both sides.
The Chief Minister outlined the State Government’s emphasis on developing small towns instead of expanding large existing cities to lessen the burden of burgeoning population and its heavy toll on the existing infrastructure.
Gogoi also talked at length on the Government’s focus on connectivity for faster development. The Chief Minister pointed out that the State has tremendous potential in water transport sector and the Government’s commitment to harness the potential for cheaper and environment-friendly mode of transportation.
The Chief Minister told the visiting dignitary about the rich contribution of the British towards developing oil, tea and allied sectors that still continue to benefit the region.
Issues like child trafficking and witch-hunting also figured in the discussion and the Chief Minister said with education and eradication of poverty these problems would fade away.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, while appreciating the development initiatives of the Chief Minister, looked forward for better cooperation in the days ahead.