Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday sought a share of China’s $ 20 billion investment committed by its President Xi Jinping for the north eastern region.
“North East (NE) is a part of India. Give importance to NE and Assam. We are neighbours of China. In fact, we have cultural similarities with China,” Mr. Gogoi told reporters in Guwahati.
“Billions of dollar of Chinese investments have been announced for Gujarat” and Assam should get a share of it, he said.
“We do not have any problem in investment in Gujarat. But why also not in Assam? We should also get a share of China’s investment in India considering the importance of this region with the neighbouring country. NE and Assam should also develop along with the rest of India,” he added.
The Chief Minister also expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre not raising the issue of construction of big dams on Brahmaputra River in China during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Jinping.
On the issue of people of North East reportedly being asked to stay away from the main venue during an event of Mr. Jinping at a luxury hotel in Ahmedabad, Mr. Gogoi said, “It is an insult to the North East. They doubted us as if we are not patriots. Are we not citizens of India? This is not good for the region.”
He also emphasised the need to resolve India’s border dispute with China “without compromising the dignity and security” of the country.
During President Jinping’s visit, China committed $ 20 billion investment over the next five years and agreed to provide greater market access to Indian products in farm, pharma and gems and jewellery sectors with a view to reducing the large trade gap with India.
The ‘Five-year Trade and Economic Development Plan’ was signed by Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Chinese counterpart Gao Hucheng in the presence of Mr. Modi and Mr. Jinping.
