Shillong, Oct 8: The second edition of the Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM 2.0) was inaugurated at the State Convention Centre on Thursday, giving more than 300 entrepreneurs from across Meghalaya a chance to pitch their products directly to 32 national and international buyers.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the event was part of the government’s effort to move Meghalaya’s products from local shelves to wider domestic and international markets.
“For years, many of Meghalaya’s finest products have remained confined to local and regional markets. But today, we are working to change that reality,” Dhar said.
“Our vision is not only to produce more, but also to market better, brand better and reach customers across India and abroad.”
Dhar said Meghalaya had considerable potential in agro-products, handlooms and weaving, bamboo and forest-based products, handicrafts and other traditional products, but better market access, branding and quality standards were needed to turn that potential into sustained business.
The State’s location was also highlighted as an advantage. Meghalaya shares a 443-km international border with Bangladesh, giving it potential access to markets in Bangladesh and the wider South and Southeast Asian region.
Dhar pointed to improving road connectivity, the railway link through Mendipathar and air connectivity through Umroi as infrastructure that could support the expansion of trade and industry.
The government is also banking on the MSME sector to generate jobs and diversify the State’s economy.
The focus on direct buyer-seller interaction follows the outcome of the first International Reverse Buyer Seller Meet held in February.
According to Dhar, the first edition resulted in 40 business MoUs and business opportunities worth more than Rs 3 crore, with buyers from 15 countries across four continents participating.
The participation of enterprises from all 12 districts in both editions, he said, showed growing confidence among Meghalaya entrepreneurs and their willingness to explore markets beyond the State.
RBSM 2.0 is designed to take that process further by allowing entrepreneurs to meet buyers directly rather than relying solely on conventional marketing channels.
Dhar urged participating entrepreneurs to use the two-day event not merely to sell products but also to understand changing consumer preferences, quality requirements and business practices in larger markets.
He said the Commerce and Industries Department was also working on policies to provide more sustained support to entrepreneurs and strengthen Meghalaya’s business ecosystem.
“Business is a continuous learning process,” Dhar said, urging entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by setbacks but to learn, adapt and keep moving forward.
The government, he added, was keen to replicate similar business facilitation initiatives within Meghalaya to create continuing opportunities for local enterprises.
Commissioner and Secretary, Commerce and Industries, C.V.D. Diengdoh, Director of Commerce and Industries M.L. Wanshnong and other officials were present at the inaugural programme.
The two-day meet, organised by the Department of Commerce and Industries, is expected to bring together entrepreneurs from all 12 districts for two days of business-to-business meetings, product showcases and market linkages.
