The secretary general of the Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) M. Shahidul Islam on Friday said the Northeast will play a crucial role in implementing their master plan on connectivity.

“A draft of the plan identifying 167 projects with $50 million has been made. We will have a working group meeting in New Delhi next year to finalise the plan.”

The plan that aims to connect India to all regions up to the east coast of Vietnam includes projects like trilateral highway involving Myanmar and Thailand. “The plan stresses on inland waterways connectivity. It has provisions for economic activities and digital connectivity. The initiative aims to ensure hassle-free movement of goods, transport, people and boost cultural exchange across a multitude of borders,” he added.