The ‘2023 Regional Cooperation and Integration Conference: Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Integration through Economic Corridor Development (ECD),’ was organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Tbilisi, Georgia, from September 5 to 7.
The event witnessed participation from more than 30 member countries, including senior officials from ADB’s Developing Member Countries, representatives of development partner agencies, and regional cooperation organizations.
Led by Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics) of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Indian delegation showcased the transformative PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, reports ET Infra.
This initiative, termed ‘Made in India,’ is a comprehensive approach to integrated planning for multimodal infrastructure connectivity, aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency and socio-economic development.
The primary objectives of the conference were twofold- first, to explore ways to integrate spatial transformation and area-centric approaches into Economic Corridor Development (ECD), strengthening regional cooperation; second, to share knowledge on the application of the ECD framework and operational guidelines for investable projects.
Dawra emphasized that PM Gatishakti goes beyond infrastructure connectivity, focusing on socio-economic area-based development as part of regional connectivity. She highlighted the Indian government’s targeted investments in infrastructure, its adoption of geospatial and cutting-edge technologies, and the positive impact on both Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living.
