Dimapur, Mar 28 (IANS): Northeast India should leverage its rich traditional knowledge, English language proficiency and the newly set up communications and IT facilities to take advantage of opportunities arising out of the country's growing economy.

This was the consensus at the fifth University-Industry Council Symposia on economic inclusion of the region organised here by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

"The people of northeast cannot afford to miss the golden opportunity afforded by India's 8.5 percent growth," said S.C. Jamir, a former chief minister of Nagaland.

Y.S. Rajan, the Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor at the Indian Space Research Organisation, proposed that the northeast should leapfrog straight into the tertiary (services) sector.

"Technology and innovation is critical to inclusive and sustainable growth. Competitiveness cannot be attained in isolation - government, industry and academia must connect to create a conducive environment for growth," said a statement issued after the meet.