The emergence of Bangladesh has also opened up prospects of resuming traditional trade relation. The entire communications pattern of Meghalaya, and, indeed, of the whole north-eastern region, will change radically with the opening up of river routes through Bangladesh. The impetus that this will give to the setting up of new industries, with more accessible markets, is sure to be felt in the near future.
The Meghalaya administration is already the possibilities of establishing a 400 –megawatt thermal plant in the Garo hills. Implementation of the several hydroelectric projects that are under investigation will go a long way towards meeting the chronic power shortage that is impeding industrial progress in west Bengal. Although a number of industries, such as paper pulp, cement, plywood and chemical oil, are under process of investigation, in both Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, it will take some years before they can be finally established and geared into production. With the setting up of a common grid between the north-eastern region and the rest of the country, a market will be available for the practically unlimited hydroelectric and thermal power potential of this area.