New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) The Government has planned rubber plantation on 2 lakh hectares in the North-Eastern Region over 5 years looking at its potential to emerge as a hub for rubber production, it was reported on Thursday.

Addressing the ‘Destination Tripura - Investment Summit’, Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal called upon the state Government to take advantage as the early harvester to expand rubber plantations in the state. Observing that bamboo cultivation is another major resource in the NER, Goyal said Tripura has the potential to emerge as the country’s hub of agarbatti industry.

With focus on development of the NE region, a ‘Make in North-East’ programme is being implemented. A dedicated NE desk of Invest India has been set up for promotion of industry. Under Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb the state government has been working on Niyat, Niti and Niyam, said Goyal. “Tripura is the 4th literate state in the NE, has a thriving handlooms industry with 1.36 lakh weavers and the Tripura jackfruit has been exported to London," he added.

The Minister highlighted how the Centre is encouraging usage of agro textiles and geotechnical textiles in the NE region through improved connectivity. The cross-border Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) rail project worth Rs 972 crore will help promote exports. The Agartala airport is emerging as the 2nd busiest airport in the NE region.

Lauding the state government’s initiatives for investment promotion including the single window portal - SWAAGAT, capital subsidy (30 per cent), power subsidy (50 per cent), full reimbursement of state GST and 4 per cent interest subvention, Goyal called upon investors to leverage on one of the best investment packages in the region and become partners in the development journey of the state.

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