Director of Industries & Commerce, P Tokugha Sema, Government of Nagaland and Dr K Rangarajan, Professor & Centre Head - Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata with other officials after singing the MoU at the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kohima on February 5. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, February 5 (MExN): The Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata, on February 5 at the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in Kohima.
The MoU was signed between Director of Industries and Commerce P. Tokugha Sema and Dr. K. Rangarajan, Professor and Centre Head, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata.
The collaboration aims to establish an Export Facilitation Cell in Nagaland through a partnership model between the Department and IIFT. The Export Facilitation Cell will function as a dedicated institutional mechanism to provide handholding support and counselling to existing and prospective exporters, facilitate market access, and strengthen the overall export readiness of entrepreneurs across the state.
Under the MoU, the Export Facilitation Cell will assist entrepreneurs in identifying international markets, developing export plans, participating in trade fairs, understanding customs and tariff procedures, meeting certification and standards requirements, and ensuring compliance with non-tariff barriers. The Cell will also support the State Government in policy formulation, strategic planning, and implementation of trade promotion schemes.
As part of the agreement, IIFT will provide expert consultancy through its faculty members and export specialists. It will also develop a web-based information dissemination platform with a query-builder system and conduct research and knowledge-based studies on international trade and business relevant to Nagaland.
The Department of Industries and Commerce will act as the nodal agency for the initiative and will provide the necessary infrastructure for the Export Facilitation Cell, including office space, internet connectivity, and basic equipment. The Department will also facilitate outreach, publicity, and coordination with District Industries Centres and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Industries and Commerce stated that the partnership with IIFT Kolkata marks an important milestone in Nagaland’s journey towards becoming a competitive exporting state and will open new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to access global markets. The MoU was described as reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to promote export-led growth, entrepreneurship, and employment generation in Nagaland, contributing to the state’s overall economic development.
