'Northeast set to become next IT hub'

With a slew of IT and telecom projects in their kitty, the seven states of the region is now wooing investors.

The seven states of Northeast are all geared up to become the next IT hub of the country.

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With a slew of IT and telecom projects in their kitty, the region, which has recently seen great improvement in the law and order situation, is now wooing investors from all over.

"IT has great scope in the Northeast. There has been a marked improvement in the road, power and telecom sectors in the last few years," says Dr HK Paliwal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry for the Development of the Northeastern region (DoNER).

"Two Information Technology parks are going to be set up in the region, which would provide quality infrastructure support to the investors, " he says.

"Moreover, the Northeast is the only region in the country to have Internet access upto the block level. With eight engineering colleges in the region churning out skilled professionals every year, human resource is not a problem either," he adds.

Government organisations such as Northeastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) are also offering financial assistance to potential investors.

"NEDFi provides finances to those who are keen to invest in the IT sector in the North-east," says KN Hazarika, CMD, NEDFi.

"Due to its unique geographical location, investing in the region would also open up business possibilities with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan," he says.