President Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil has called upon North eastern sates to play a crucial role in the development and effective fructification of India’s look east policy saying this will provide economic benefits to the region. She was addressing a Public reception at the Naga heritage village near Kohima on Thursday on her maiden two-day visit to Nagaland. While pointing out that North east region stands strategically placed at the door step of South East Asia, the president said increased connectivity with these nations would open scope for investment and tourism, including eco-tourism and culture tourism in the North eastern states. Mrs. Patil said accelerated development of the North East region, which has contributed much to the richness of the nation, is fundamental for the country’s economic rise. Mrs. Patil also highlighted the need to invest in human resource development and capacity building of the people under the change scenario and new paradigm of development. The President later left for two day visit to Imphal.