The Department of Industries & Commerce organized the highly anticipated Buyers & Sellers Meet 2024 at Bamboo Hall, Kisama on December 6, 2024. The event aimed to create a platform for business collaboration, fostering connections between local buyers and sellers in Nagaland.
The meet was graced by the Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, who highlighted the importance of such initiatives for the state's growing entrepreneurial landscape. Speaking as the special guest, Jakhalu emphasized that Nagaland is a young state where entrepreneurship and business are still evolving concepts. However, she pointed out that the start-up culture is rapidly gaining momentum.
The market in Nagaland is still pure and unadulterated, Jakhalu noted, adding that there are numerous advantages to launching businesses early in such an environment. She assured the attendees that the Government of Nagaland would continue to support both buyers and sellers in their entrepreneurial ventures, facilitating growth through every possible means. She expressed hope that the partnerships formed during the meet would contribute not only to the state's economy but also to the national economy.
In his keynote address, Secretary of Industries & Commerce, Shanavas C, IAS, shared insights about the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative, a Government of India program under which the buyers and sellers meet was organized. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Nagaland but urged the gathering to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth.
Shanavas also highlighted one of Nagaland's most significant strengths: its young and talented workforce, known for its strong work ethics and craftsmanship. Encouraging participants to seize the opportunities ahead, he said the meet marks the beginning of a long-term relationship.
Director of Industries & Commerce, P. Tokugha Sema, spoke about the significance of the event as a platform for both affiliation and transactional activities. He emphasized that Nagaland holds immense potential in sectors such as handloom, handicrafts, and food products. Sema urged participants to fully capitalize on these opportunities to drive economic development in the region.
Following the inaugural session, the event proceeded with a series of interactions between buyers and sellers. This was followed by a Business-to-Business (B2B) meeting and a feedback session, allowing participants to engage directly and discuss potential collaborations.
The Buyers & Sellers Meet 2024 was organised to strengthen business relationships, promote regional products, expand market access, and contribute to the economic development of Nagaland, all the while offering buyers new, high-quality products to source and sell in broader markets.
The Buyers & Sellers Meet 2024 proved to be an important step toward boosting local businesses and fostering lasting partnerships, contributing to Nagaland's economic growth and integration into the broader national and international markets. The meet saw the participation of 27 sellers from Nagaland and 18 buyers from various parts of the country, including Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
