Guwahati: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted the much-anticipated NER Infrastructure Conclave 2024 in Guwahati, themed 'New Technologies' to drive infrastructure transformation in Northeast India. The event held at Hotel Vivanta convened policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss Northeast India's current infrastructure challenges and explore its future opportunities.
From roads and highways to waterways and energy, the NER Infrastructure Conclave 2024 addressed key sectors crucial to the Northeast’s development while highlighting innovative strategies to enhance logistics, identify new businesses, attract investors, and spur economic growth.
One key player in sustainable infrastructure development is Zerund Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd., co-founded by David Gogoi. The brick-making company has been an innovator in building material growth. It has developed the revolutionary lightweight Zerund Brick as part of a college project. Renowned for its strength, low water absorption value, excellent insulation properties, and cost-effectiveness, the eco-friendly brick addresses modern construction needs. Productivity, as of today, already exceeds 50,000 cubic meters annually.
Speaking to Business North East (BNE), David Gogoi, co-founder of Zerund, said that infrastructure is the main challenge and opportunity in the region. Regarding infrastructure development, he pointed out that the Northeast is at a 'nascent stage.'
"A lack of proper planning and well-defined blueprints in the past has put the region far behind the rest of the country. "There are considerable gaps in the infrastructure here, evident in the daily challenges we face," David Gogoi told BNE, adding that it also presents vast growth opportunities.
David Gogoi highlighted that initiatives like the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North East (SARDP-NE) and the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) foster opportunities through improved connectivity.
"Connectivity is by far the most important factor for any region's growth, and these programs are putting in thousands of crores to develop road infrastructure," the businessman added.
However, David Gogoi said the region needs a strategic vision over the long haul to extract its true potential. To this end, he calls upon the stakeholders to draw inspiration from global models like the Belt and Road Initiative to create (10-to-15-year) development plans.
When asked about the share of government investment in the financial sector support, David Gogoi confirmed the effort but claimed greater investment was needed. "The government has launched various schemes, including the 'Unity Scheme' to promote industrial developments. But we need to think bigger — in terms of billions — if we want to see impactful growth," he said, emphasizing the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) and international collaborations.
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"This region alone cannot drive its growth. The proximity to ASEAN countries is a huge advantage, and we should leverage it to attract FDI and create regional trade hubs," the co-founder of Zerund Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd further said.
David Gogoi also emphasized the need for ease of doing business (EODB). "For entrepreneurs like me, subsidies are secondary. What we need is a conducive environment where businesses can operate smoothly. The government is aware of these challenges, and immediate action is needed," he said.
Moreover, he believes the Northeast can be a gateway to Southeast Asia and become a national growth engine with proper strategic planning, cooperation, and investment.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
