Can Nagaland seize the opportunities on prospect of trade with neighbouring countries?

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 28  

A very beneficial and interactive session was held on the topic of “Prospect of Trade with Neighbouring Countries” during the second session of the Business Summit held at the Nagaland International Trade Expo on November 28.

Welcoming the panel and participants, Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir, Summit Coordinator gave an overview of the summit and asked the pertinent question, “Can Nagaland seize the opportunities on prospect of trade with neighboring countries and can we explore the possibilities in this session?” The session was moderated by Wapong Longkumer, Executive Editor, Eastern Mirror.  

Kesang Wangdi, Deputy Secretary General, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) highlighted on BCCI and also the business environment of Bhutan in regards to business and economy aspect. He spoke on business opportunities in Bhutan for Nagaland and also pointed out the fact that it is important for Bhutan to know more about Nagaland so that there will be more purposeful communication and trade relations. He also assured that there is scope in doing business with Bhutan.  

Bhanu Pratap Singh, CEO, North East Foundation; OSD to Government of Meghalaya presented a brief overview on North East Foundation and its activities. This was followed by R.C Agarwal, President, North East Federation on International Trade who pointed out that certain needs have to be addressed like making a separate policy for North Eastern region to promote trade activity with far East countries. He also felt that a Special economic Desk for North East in Indian Missions in ASEAN countries preferably Myanmar, Thailand and China should be implemented along with setting up Myanmar Visa office at Guwahati/Dimapur/Imphal, fully fledged quarantine and food quality lab should be setup in Moreh, Manipur and Zokhawthar in Mizoram etc.  

Meanwhile, Rajeev Goswami, Deputy Director General FINER asked pertinent questions like “Are we ready to plunge into International market? He felt that the North eastern states should make use of its strategic location, explore its natural resources to its full potential, promote Floriculture and give importance to eco-tourism.  

Jesmina Zeliang, Founder, Naga Heirloom and Convener, North East Region, EPCH presented a very detailed and real scenario of the challenges entrepreneurs in Nagaland face while narrating her business experiences.  

“Unfortunately we have not made much progress to talk about in terms of trade, commerce or industry. This is our ground reality,” she stated boldly.  

Sharing challenges which she faces on a day to day basis, Zeliang highlighted key challenges related to connectivity, infrastructure like roads, power, lack of warehousing and storage facilities, lack of packaging units, lack of testing labs, lack of information, lack of trade advisory bodies. She also cited violent political situation- frequent bandhs, blockades and investments  

However, she pointed out that the potential of trade prospects in Nagaland are present under the sectors of Bamboo based industries, Sericulture, Floriculture, Horticulture & Agro based industries, Handloom & Handicrafts, Fashion and Apparel Industry, Trade in Services like Tourism, Education/IT, Wellness, and Medical Services/ Communication/Creative Arts.  

As a solution to all the points she has highlighted, Zeliang commented, “We should give more focus on trade and services as we have such a huge pool of talented, educated, and capable young lot here. To conclude, I’m often reminded of what I heard once, ‘Unless the people of Nagaland take advantage of the Look East Policy and take adequate measures, very soon the people of Nagaland would become strangers in their own land’.  

After the panel discussion, a Q & A session was held with the participants of the Business Summit.  

It may be mentioned that on November 29, there will be sessions on “Building Community Farming & Market Linkages” at 10:30 AM and “Building Competent Human Resources” at 2:00 PM to be held at Agri Expo Centre, Dimapur.