Port Blair, January 29: A conference on “Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Growth Opportunities” was held at the Hotel Sinclairs Bay View today. The Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), was the chief guest on the occasion while the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt Governor expressed his happiness on the conduct of the conference by the CII and the ACCI, which according to him, was appropriate and timely. The Lt Governor spoke about the story of India’s rise in the 21st Century, which he said, promises a lot. He said people have great expectations from the country and our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has rekindled the hope and aspirations of the country as a whole. “We should look forward towards our future and should be a part of the Rising India Story by changing our attitude”, he said. “These Islands have to play a positive role to become a ‘spring board’ for the country’s ‘Look East-Act East’ policy from the existing ‘outpost’, outlook”.
Giving a brief account of A&N Islands to the visiting CII members, the Lt. Governor said these islands are bestowed with bounties of nature and are often described as mini India where people from all walks of life, live together in perfect peace and harmony. He said people of these islands are great Nationalists and are proud to belong to this great country. There has not been a single case of strife or discord, what better and conducive environment can one ask for to make investments in these lslands, the Lt Governor remarked.
The Lt Governor also appraised the gathering about the challenges being faced by these islands like infrastructure and material constraints which have to be brought from mainland. The biggest challenge which pulls back Andamans is the lack of spirit of free enterprise and the dependency on govt jobs. The Administration is trying its level best to instill among the youths the spirit of free enterprise, and the motto: “I can, I shall, I will”.
The Lt Governor then gave out a detailed account of various initiatives being taken by the Administration which will make these islands more conducive for Development and business initiatives.
The Lt Governor asked the conference to deliberate on the best model for PPP, since so far this has not taken off. He also outlined various sectors where greater investment opportunities exist like Tourism, Fisheries, Agriculture/Horticulture, Renewable Energy infrastructure etc.
In his address on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray appreciated the meaningful presentation made by Shri Dipankar Chakrabarti which showed the true potential of these islands in different sectors. The MP informed that necessary formalities for the construction of 2 new bridges at Middle Strait and Humphrey Strait have been completed. This connectivity, once established will augment the tourism prospects of North and Middle Andaman, he said. The MP also called for exploiting the beautiful sea beaches and waterfall which exists in these islands by its proper advertisement. He also urged the CII members to propogate the potential of these islands whenever they hold meetings with the higher authorities at mainland.
Shri Dipankar Chakrabarti, Director Pricewaterhouse Coopers Private Ltd, made an elaborate and in-depth presentation on Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Growth opportunities. The conference was also addressed by Shri TV Narendran, MD Tata Steel Ltd.
Earlier, Shri Viresh Oberoi, Chairman CII, Eastern Region welcomed the gathering.
