Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma made a clarion call for greater regional cooperation at the inaugural North East Economic Corridor (NEEC) meet held in Aizawl. The summit, which brought together policymakers, economists, and infrastructure experts from across the region, focused on unlocking the untapped economic potential of the Northeast through connectivity, collaboration, and coordinated planning.
CM Lalduhoma, addressing the delegates, emphasized that the time has come for the eight northeastern states to shed their fragmented approach and adopt a united vision for economic growth. His speech set the tone for the meet, which aims to lay the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive economic corridor tailored to the region’s unique geography and demographics.
A Vision for Regional Synergy
“The Northeast must think beyond borders — not just national, but internal state boundaries,” Lalduhoma said. “Our economic future lies in shared goals, pooled resources, and synchronized development strategies.”
He stressed the importance of connectivity — both physical and digital — and proposed that the NEEC should serve as a platform to integrate road, rail, air, and internet infrastructure across the region. The CM argued that economic corridors must not only connect cities but also uplift the rural and tribal belts that form the heart of the Northeast.
Key Priorities: Infrastructure, Trade & Border Economy
Among the key themes of the conference was the region’s strategic location as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the “Act East Policy.” Lalduhoma advocated for enhanced cross-border trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh, noting that Mizoram’s Champhai district, which shares a long boundary with Myanmar, has the potential to become a trade hub.
“Border economies are no longer a security threat but an opportunity for prosperity,” he stated. “If we improve our border infrastructure and streamline trade policies, our people will benefit directly.”
The meet also highlighted urgent infrastructure needs, including the completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, improved air connectivity to smaller towns, and last-mile internet access in rural villages.
Experts from the North Eastern Council (NEC) and NITI Aayog also shared frameworks for economic cluster development, agro-based industries, and skill training that can be implemented under the corridor model.
States in Sync: A New Development Model
For decades, the Northeast has struggled with uneven development and policy delays due to lack of coordination among the states. The NEEC, envisioned as an inter-state collaborative platform, seeks to break this pattern by aligning priorities and streamlining central funding.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Deputy CM Chowna Mein, who attended the summit, echoed this sentiment: “We have similar challenges and shared resources. It’s time to plan together — whether it’s tourism, power, or transport.”
The summit also saw participation from industry stakeholders, including representatives from logistics companies, banking institutions, and IT firms exploring investment opportunities in the region.
Mizoram’s Role and Future Plans
As host of the first NEEC meet, Mizoram used the opportunity to showcase its own development projects and highlight its potential as a center for eco-tourism, organic farming, and bamboo-based industries. The state also announced a new policy initiative to streamline land acquisition and environmental clearances for corridor-linked infrastructure projects.
Lalduhoma proposed that future NEEC meets rotate among all eight northeastern states to ensure equal representation and engagement. He also called on the Centre to consider a dedicated Ministry for the North East Economic Corridor under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Looking Ahead
The inaugural NEEC meet concluded with the adoption of the “Aizawl Declaration,” a non-binding but symbolic agreement among participating states to pursue coordinated economic planning and enhance inter-state project monitoring mechanisms.
In a region often overlooked in national discourse, the NEEC initiative marks a bold step toward collective empowerment. If implemented with sincerity and vision, it could transform the Northeast from a peripheral frontier to a dynamic engine of economic growth — not just for India, but for all of South Asia.
As CM Lalduhoma aptly said, “Let this corridor be a bridge, not just between places — but between people, ideas, and possibilities.”