The Assam Chief Minister Mr Tarun Gogoi has said that the North East part of India is endowed with immense human and mineral resources and these resources must be harnessed properly for sustainable economic development of the region. Inaugurating the first North East India International Meet 2010 at Pragjyotika ITA Centre in Guwahati on Monday, Mr Gogoi said that the North East region can march triumphantly ahead and catch up with the advanced States if the huge resources are tapped in a scientific manner. He said that in spite of insurgency the North East is moving ahead and thanks to a change in the mindset of the people and a changed perception of the region both within and outside the country.<br/><br/>The Chief Minister underscored the need for increased connectivity through land, water and air to accelerate the pace of development in the region. He also stressed on the need of education in tune with the times. Right type of education is the need of the hour to catapult a State to the path of progress and development, he said while reiterating the Government’s avowed commitment to education.<br/><br/>Urging the NRIs to contribute their mite towards the development of the region, Shri Gogoi said that the NRIs can definitely create an impact on the region’s economy if they put in their money and expertise.’<br/><br/>Mr Gogoi said that in the quest for development, one must not forget about striking a balance with the ecology. Lauding the efforts of Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters (FASS) for organizing the two-day long meet, he hoped that its endeavour would help to attract NRIs to this part of the country by bringing in investments in key sectors.