In a first of its kind (keeping aside the MoUs signed by the previous governments on hydro-electric power generation), the Arunachal Pradesh government led by Pema Khandu has signed 17 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with private sector investors worth Rs. 1200 crores during the 5th North East Connectivity Summit organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Tawang which concluded on Thursday. These MoUs with private investors across sectors like tourism and hospitality, oil and gas, retail, power, equipment manufacturing and sports have the potential to create over 8000 gainful employment opportunities in the state for local educated unemployed young men and women provided the MoUs are pursued with vigour and sincerity. This can be a game changer for the state in the days to come as Arunachal is progressing rapidly to create the infrastructure facilities. 

While inaugurating the summit on Wednesday, the chief minister made an impassioned plea to industrialists from the country and neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, etc. to invest in the state. With tourist arrivals, both domestic and foreign, witnessing a quantum leap over the last couple of years, this is the one sector where the state can attract investments. The state, endowed with unrivalled natural beauty with the undulating mountains and green valleys, is undoubtedly a tourist’s delight. And add to it the peaceful atmosphere, hospitable people and an unravished environment; it has got everything that an aspiring tourist can ask for. 

Moreover, a report by Geological Survey of India released recently states that the state is sitting atop a veritable treasure trove of rich minerals like dolomite, bauxite, etc. including gold deposits(survey for this is under progress), the exploitation of which will just change the face of Arunachal Pradesh. While inviting investors, the Chief Minister also promised to make tailor-made policies to suit the investors including on the land possession. Moreover, the state will soon become power surplus with the commissioning of Pare and Kameng hydro-electric power projects. With availability of cheap power and making easy obtaining land possession certificates, etc. Khandu has offered a long rope to the industrials to walk in the state.