(a) whether any business delegation from Czech Republic led by their Industry
Minister has visited the North Eastern part of the country recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of the issues discussed and decisions taken during their visit?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION
(SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)
(a) Yes Sir;
(b) A business delegation from the Czech Republic,led by their Minister of Industry and Trade,
Mr. Martin Riman,and accompanied by several Czech Government representatives and heads of 11
Czech companies visited Assam on 15th - 16th November, 2008;
(c) During the discussions with the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Tarun Gogoi,and the State
Minister of Energy,Industry and Trade, Shri Pradyut Bordoloi,the delegation expressed their
interest in involving themselves and the Czech entrepreneurs in the development of North
Eastern Region(NER),especially in the areas of hydro-power,infrastructure, airport equipment,
small aircraft and food processing.The visit of this Czech business delegation was in continuation
of an earlier visit by a Czech delegation to NER in April,2008 when they discussed these sectors
with the North-Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd.(NEDFi).
The Government of Assam,on its part, underlined the opportunities available in hydro-power,
food- processing, oil and gas industry, pharmaceutical industry, tourism development and air
connectivity for development.