KOLKATA / AGARTALA, Dec 11 (IANS / TIWN): A two-day 'Indo-Asia Connectivity' conference would be held in Kolkata on December 14-15 to boost regional economic connectivity between India and the countries of South and Southeast Asia and to explore investment opportunities.

The US Consulate General here, in association with Washington-based East West Center, the Indian Chamber of Commerce and CUTS (Consumer Unity and Trust Society) International, is organising the "Indo-Asia Connectivity for Shared Prosperity" conference.

US Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma, his Bangladeshi counterpart Marcia Bernicat and US Ambassador to Nepal Alaina Teplitz would also speak in the conference.

Verma last week visited five of the eight northeastern states - Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura, and met Chief Ministers and other stakeholders discussed various economic and bilateral issues.

"During my visit to the northeastern states, I have discussed with the governments of the region about connectivities, trade, economy and commerce, energy related issues," Verma said in Agartala.

"The conference would focus on three key policy areas. These include maritime and waterways connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region, energy cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal and cross-border trade and investment," Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director of Jaipur-based NGO CUTS International, said.

He said that the key policy makers, business leaders, government officials, media representatives, academics and civil society experts from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan and the US would attend the conference.