The Northeastern states have made a fervent appeal to the Indian Diaspora to invest in key infrastructure projects to help the region prosper on a par with the rest of the country. Addressing the 9th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in New Delhi Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi sought investment particularly in education, healthcare and tourism sectors. He said, law and order is no longer a problem in the region as all major terrorist outfits have come to the negotiating table, realising futility of their hostilities against the governments. Mr.Gogoi urged the wholehearted support of the 25 million diaspora in developing the region and help it achieve higher economic growth rate.Showcasing the region as an ideal destination for investment,the Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Mukul Sangma said, the time is ripe for the diaspora to invest in the Northeast. He said there was a huge demand for quality educational institutions and hospitals in the northeast and the diaspora can invest in a big way in these two sectors.Addressing the gathering, Development of Northeastern Region, Doner, Minister Mr. B K Handique said the entire region is extremely rich in minerals, silica and coal amongst others and invited the diaspora to explore the virgin land. Mr. Handique added that Nagaland may pursue coal mining which will open up investment opportunities in a big way.Tripura Commerce and Industries Minister Mr.Jitendra Chowdhury spoke about connectivity of the Northeast with countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and Vietnam saying the region can be a regional hub for trade activities with the South Asian countries.AIR correspondent reports, Northeast has received special focus at the three-day annual conclave, being attended by nearly 1,500 NRIs and Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs), with the Centre projecting the region as an attractive destination for overseas investment.The conclave — the country's annual event to connect with its diaspora, is being held in partnership with the Ministry for Development of North-eastern Region and the eight northeastern states.