Sikkim pitches for investment in Green technology, market access, value addition and research and capacity building for its organic products - CM PS Tamang Golay at B20 Conference in Gangtok
The third B20 Conference in the North East commenced in Gangtok, Sikkim today with the theme Tourism, Hospitality, Pharmaceutical and Organic Farming. The event was graced by Shri P S Tamang Golay, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri V B Pathak, Chief Secretary, Sikkim, Ms Rupa Dutta, Principal Adviser, DPIIT, Government of India, Mr Ashish Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary (G20), G20 Secretariat, Government of India, Mr Noor Rahman Sheikh, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Dr Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission & Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog, Government of India and Ms Namrata Thapa, Secretary, Department of Information & Public Relation, Government of Sikkim.
Delegation from 22 countries with 53 overseas participants converged in Sikkim for the Conference which also included more than 100 Indian delegation. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Government of Sikkim and Ministry of External Affairs and DPIIT are partners in this initiative.
In his address as the Chief Guest, Chief Minister of Sikkim pitched for investments in Green Technology, market accessibility, value addition for processing of its horticultural produces and capacity building for initiating research in the organic sector at the Conference. Sikkim with the SDG index of 71 scores high amongst States and have been successful in creating sustainable livelihood through pro people policies. Sikkim has been recognised as the First Organic State in the country and a booming tourism potential which can be leveraged by the global community.
In his keynote address, Shri V B Pathak, Chief Secretary of Sikkim outlined the potential of Sikkim in the sectors of organic farming, tourism, pharmaceuticals and hospitality. He mentioned Sikkim seeks co-operation from all stakeholders tom pursue its long term goals of sustainable development and ease of doing business. He mentioned that the State has entered into a joint venture with a private player on Organic Farming. The State has also come out with investment friendly policies on tourism to attract tourists especially eco and adventure tourism. The handloom products of Sikkim especially its carpet are finding global market and are source of livelihood creating for women
Dr Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission & Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog mentioned that it is an opportune time for Sikkim to have the B20 Summit alongwith the Startup 20 which will open up a vista of opportunity for linking businesses with Startups, which is an emerging business group.
Ms Rupa Dutta, Principal Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade emphasized on the seven task forces of the B20 and mentioned about India’s priority on climate change and reduction of carbon footprint, reduction of compliance burden for ease of doing business and the decrimilisation Acts for industry.
Mr Noor Rahman Sheikh, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), Ministry of External mentioned that Sikkim which shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan and China is an ideal destination for trade and commerce.
Mr Ashish Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary (G20), G20 Secretariat, Government of India outlined the Government of India’s vision of G20 and mentioned that these events will not only create business opportunity but would also provide a sneak peak into the culture, ethnic and traditions of the host State. He mentioned that he is delighted to see a large group of international delegates to converge in Sikkim for the B20 Conference and hoped that it would help the boost the tourism potential of the State.
In his welcome address, Mr Pradeep Purohit, Member, CII North East Council congratulated the Government of Sikkim for wholehearted support for organising the B20 programme in Sikkim. He mentioned that CII is committed to the North East and shall be glad to engage with the State and the Central Ministries to push forward the economic growth with sustainable livelihood creation in the Region. He mentioned that CII has already organised two successful B20 Initiative in Manipur and Mizoram respectively in February and March and this is the third Conference in the North East. CII would be organising one more B20 Conference in Kohima in April and would request the participation of all overseas and the Indian delegation for the Conferences.
The inaugural was proceeded by a plenary session on exploring the opportunities for Multilateral Business Partnerships in Tourism, Hospitality, Organic Farming and Pharmaceutical . The International delegation will be taken to the Rumtek Monastry, tomorrow for showcasing its cultural heritage of Sikkim.
16 March 2023
New Delhi