CII plans north economic zone

The Confederation of Indian Industry (Northern Region) had identified the major priorities for the year ahead, with a special thrust on building people, agriculture, sustainability and inclusiveness at the state level, Deep Kapuria, the newly elected chairman of the CII (Northern Region), said in Chandigarh.

Elaborating on the CII's vision for a common economic zone in north India, Kapuria said abolition of multiple tax structures, free movement of goods and sharing of best practices across various states would create new synergies across the region.

Simultaneously, it would retain its strong focus on policy with a special thrust on fiscal reforms, enhanced physical connectivity, privatisation of power distribution, urban reforms and the development of a citizen oriented, networked society, he added.

In his first formal interaction with the media after taking over as, Kapuria shared the work plan chalked out for the northern region. He said the agriculture sector, industrial policy reforms, improving power scenario, urban development, physical connectivity through public-private partnerships would be the thrust areas.

With 30 per cent share of the country's population and a contribution of 28 per cent to the country's gross domestic product, the northern region holds a vast market potential. However, it still lags behind the western and southern regions in attracting corporate investment. Well co-ordinated planning and development of a common agenda among the states would put the northern region on a new growth trajectory, stressed Kapuria.

He said: "We are committed to enhancing the competitiveness of the region and developing business opportunities for industry and all these priorities illustrate the CII's commitment to promote a more vibrant northern region nationally as well as internationally."

In the multi-pronged approach, the four missions "" innovation in manufacturing, knowledge and skills development, sustainable development and inclusive growth "" will provide the vehicles of delivery. It would also focus on starting clusters in the region and handholding small and medium enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, said Kapuria.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of agriculture in the region's economy, Kapuria observed that there is substantial scope for developing agriculture and allied sectors in the northern region states. It necessitates enhancing the agricultural competitiveness through rural infrastructure, market linkages, food processing, credit availability, micro finance and agri extension services.