B20: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has organized a series of B20 programmes in the north eastern region of India with the Ministry of External Affairs and North Eastern State Governments. The northeastern partnership includes Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim.

B20 Programmes

The B20 (Business 20) is a group that represents the private sector within the G20 forum. It has been established to provide a platform for the business community, engaging the G20 members. B20 has offered recommendations on the policies that can support global economic growth and development.

In a statement, CII said that the B20 Programme will showcase the potential that the Northeast region offers for investment for global and local investors. Also, the programme will highlight opportunities for multilateral business partnerships in industry sectors where Northeast states have core strength.

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B20: Dates, Schedule, Location & Sectors

The B20 programme is scheduled from February 17-19 in Imphal. The programme would focus on various sectors like information and communications technology (ICT), medical tourism, health care and handlooms, the statement added.

The B20 programme scheduled from 1-3 March in Aizawl would focus on Urban planning, Infrastructure & Skill Development.

From 16-19 March 2023 Gangtok would host a B20 programme focusing on Tourism, Hospitality, pharmaceuticals and Organic Farming.

Further, on 4-6 April, the programme would be organized in Kohima focusing on Agriculture and Food Processing.

Moreover, the Business 20 meetings would organize an excursion to tourist sites, a cultural program and Gala Dinner for participants to acquaint themselves with the North Eastern states.

Minister of State of External Affairs On B20

While addressing the event, Minister of State of External Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh highlighted the unique strength of the Northeast region and its business potential. He has invited representatives of diplomatic missions, and bilateral and multilateral agencies to take part in the programmes scheduled in the Northeast states.

The minister also emphasized the growth statistics of the last eight years. He said the number of airports in the region has increased from 9 to 16; the number of flights connecting the region has increased from about 900 before 2014, to around 1,900 as of date.

Further, he said many Northeastern states have come to the Indian Railway map for the first time, the length of national highways has increased by 50% since 2014 and efforts are being made to expand the waterways also.