In Chandigarh, a three day "Destination North East" being organised by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is attracting large number of people. <br/><br/>The day witnessed round table discussions and exhibition stalls showcasing various features of the North East Region in order to attract investments in Tourism, Skill Development, Food Processing, Handlooms and Handicrafts, Rural Livelihoods, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance, Horticulture and Floriculture, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Organic Farming and Bamboo Development. The main attraction today was the day long cultural program from various state troupes along with ethnic food festival. <br/><br/>In a session on "Exploring Tourism Potential of North East India", Adviser (Banking, Industry and Tourism), North Eastern Council, Gautam Chintey, said that air connectivity within the North Eastern states has improved now. He said that there are 7 entry points to North Eastern states and security and connectivity wise, these states are safe and good.<br/><br/>While addressing the session on "Medicinal & Aromatic Plants of North East India : Way Forward", Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bioresources Technology, Palampur said, Eastern Himalayas is the home to more than 8,000 species of medicine plants where this region can play a significant role in the economy through floriculture, horticulture and sericulture. <br/><br/>In another session on Roadmap for Technology Intervention in North East India, scientists from IITs deliberated upon the appropriate technology usage. In his presentation, Mr V Kalyan Sundaram, General Manager,Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India said, nearly 1.80 lac artisans, craftspersons and weavers are associated with textile industry in North East who are playing a vital role in nation's economy. He insisted on design, skill upgradation along with technology modification for brining new revolution in the sector. Noted designer Rina Dhaka also presented her perspective on Handloom, Apparel and Handicraft of North East India.<br/><br/>Inaugurating the show yesterday, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Central Government is committed to the all round development of the North Eastern Region. He said the objective of Destination North East, 2017 is to showcase North East as a potential destination for investment and highlight the rich traditions and customs of the region.