7th Act East Business Show begins with participation of 14 nations
Shillong, Mar 25: The 7th Act East Business Show kicked off here on Tuesday with participation of 14 nations, including BBIN and ASEAN, to explore trade opportunities in Meghalaya and the North East.
Inaugurating the three-day business show organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce at State Convention Centre, chief minister Conrad K Sangma expressed the state’s keenness to strengthen ties with BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) and ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations).
The state’s proximity to Dubai, BBIN and ASEAN nations can make it a natural hub for trade, commerce and connectivity, he said while welcoming the delegates from Australia, Bhutan, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and UAE.
Asserting prevalence of a “very strong political will” to push the agenda of taking North Eastern region forward, he said, “This strong will and desire of developing and pushing forward the North Eastern region of the country comes all the way from the prime minister to the chief ministers of the North Eastern states and also at the level of bureaucrats, officials and administration.”
He pointed out at Meghalaya witnessing a growth rate above the national level in the past few years due to the initiatives and policies of the government.
Appreciating efforts at various levels, he said, “Institutional set-ups that have been created, involvement of community at multiple levels, and various activities for our young entrepreneurs are testament to the intention and the goal of the government.”
On the current MDA government’s role in bringing positive changes to the state, “Our government has been working tirelessly to develop policies that foster economic expansion, attract investments and create new opportunities for business.”
However, he made it clear that growth must come with sustainability.
“Sustainability can come only if we work closely with environment, culture, tradition and the community,” he said.
“While growth is important, respecting these different aspects of environment, culture, tradition and community is very crucial as we move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, he underscored the need for customised strategies for growth of different parts of North Eastern region.
“There cannot be one Act East Policy for the entire North Eastern region,” he said, adding, “Every zone and every state in the North East is unique so therefore specific targets and strategies for every zone or state should be created.”
He further said the state is committed to strengthening global partnerships and look forward to collaboration specially in healthcare training, IT, Tourism, agri-business, etc., while encouraging investments in sectors like agriculture, textiles, health and renewable energy.
The three-day event will include round table meetings, B2B and B2G meetings, discussions on empowering growth through innovation and technology in Meghalaya and agriculture, livestock, food processing and manufacturing, travel, tourism and hospitality in the North East.
Deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and high-level delegates from various countries and leading trade bodies also spoke on the occasion.
