Meghalaya has consistently been recognised for having the “best ecosystem for entrepreneurs among the small states” -Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister
Shillong, May 15: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the state’s rapid economic growth, infrastructure expansion and emerging role in India’s growth story during a curtain raiser for the upcoming North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 at Meghalaya House in New Delhi on Friday.
The summit, scheduled for June 11 and 12 in Shillong, will bring together five Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all the Northeastern states, policymakers, investors, infrastructure developers, financial institutions and industry leaders for discussions on connectivity, investment and regional growth.
Highlighting the Meghalaya Industrial Promotion Policy, Sangma said the State has rolled out “large incentives” for investors.
He also underscored Meghalaya’s strong entrepreneurship ecosystem, stating that the State has consistently been recognised for having “the best ecosystem for entrepreneurs among the small states.”
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the state’s economy has doubled over the last five years, while capital investment has increased “four times compared to what it was from 2018.”
Calling Meghalaya “one of the fastest growing economies in the country,” he stressed that the State has been “consistently growing at the same pace for the last three to four years,” which, he noted, is critical for investor confidence.
He further spoke about Meghalaya’s expanding IT ecosystem, noting that the State’s first IT Park is already “packed,” while the upcoming second IT Park has also witnessed overwhelming response from national as well as global industry leaders.
He said Meghalaya is now moving towards further expansion, with additional IT infrastructure planned to create greater opportunities for the youth.
DoNER ministry secretary Sanjay Jaju, in his address, appreciated Meghalaya’s rapid development trajectory and reiterated the Government of India’s continued support towards infrastructure-led growth and regional integration in the Northeast.
He praised the Chief Minister for Meghalaya’s rapid growth, describing it as the fastest-growing state in the country with a 13–14% growth rate and a doubling economy within five years.
Referring to the Northeast as “Ashtalakshmi,” he said the region lies at the heart of India’s development vision and highlighted Meghalaya and Shillong as emerging centres for infrastructure, investment, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
Notably, Meghalaya is the only state in the country to sustain nearly 10% growth in real GSDP for three consecutive years post-pandemic.
Its economy has grown from Rs 29,508 crore in 2018 to nearly Rs 60,000 crore in FY 2024–25, with the State targeting a GSDP of Rs 1.35 lakh crore by 2032.
Meghalaya’s infrastructure expansion over the past several years have also seen a significant growth.
The state’s growing profile in tourism, sports and the creative economy was also in spotlight.
State’s Living Root Bridges are India’s sole nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2026, while Shillong continues to gain prominence as a major music and tourism destination in the country, with its identity getting synonymous to India’s Music Capital. Notably, Meghalaya is also set to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
Union Ministers expected to participate in the summit include Nitin Gadkari, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Sarbananda Sonowal and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Food Processing Industries Ministry Secretary Avinash Joshi, said the summit would open “immense opportunity” for all stakeholders, while highlighting the unique strengths and investment potential of all eight Northeastern states.
Highlighting the Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ support for the Northeast, he spoke about initiatives such as the Mega Food Park Scheme and assistance for medium, small and micro food processing enterprises.
State Commissioner & Secretary Sanjay Goyal said the strong participation at the curtain raiser reflected the growing national interest in the Northeast and its emerging role in India’s growth story, while highlighting Meghalaya’s transformation under Conrad K Sangma into one of the country’s fastest-growing and most investor-friendly states.
Organised by FINER in association with Build India Foundation and supported by multiple Union Ministries and sectoral partners, the summit in Shillong is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing infrastructure opportunities and investment potential across the Northeast.
