'Indian connectivity with ASEAN key to boosting economy'

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GUWAHATI, (Internet): India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee Sunday stressed the need for improving connectivity with the South Asian neighbours and strengthening bilateral relations with them to boost business and attract investments.

"Economic development in the northeast will depend on how quickly we can build up connectivity with the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) and other neighbouring countries," Mukherjee said while inaugurating a branch secretariat of the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in Assam's main city of Guwahati.

"There are lots of opportunities now and we shall have to build up connectivity as fast as possible. Private and government investments are not enough, we need foreign investments," the minister said.