A roundtable with partner countries and partner states was held at Bamboo Hall, Kisama on 2nd December 2024.
Charing the programme, Chairman, Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) & Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha stated that the roundtable is a platform to forge partnerships, ties and networking with each other. He called upon the visiting dignitaries to look beyond the traditional and cultural aspects and delve into the economic prospects and opportunities that Nagaland has to offer. He acknowledged the Government of Sikkim for being very supportive towards the Hornbill festival and for participating with a large delegation.
Advisor, Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan mentioned on the similarities of using natural resources and the traditional medicinal practices between Sikkim and Nagaland. He called for collaboration in coffee and millet plantation since growing of both coffee and millet is gaining importance over the years in Nagaland due to its superior quality. At present, the efforts as well as the programs are mostly on yielding of high capacity. He also emphasized the importance of marketing networks and building of infrastructure for post harvest produces.
Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Hekani stated that the Hornbill Festival is just a gist of what Nagaland can offer to the world. She said the strength of the State lies in the young and talented people whose creativity and hard work is no lesser than others. Taking the advantage of this, the State is looking forward for various collaborations and partnerships from investors outside the state which would be a win-win situation for both the stakeholders.
Ambassador of Peru to India, Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde spoke on the importance of people to people connection between the Republic of Peru and the Nagas due to its shared similarities in culture and traditions. He also called upon Peru and the Nagas to continue to celebrate the wisdom of the indigenous people and look forward for partnership and collaboration in the areas of common interests.
Joint Secretary, IDAN, Reny Wilfred, IAS gave a presentation on areas where the State can build collaboration and partnership with the visiting Country and State partners. He delved into the areas where the State has the opportunity for collaboration such as Agri & Allied sector, sports, tourism, Human Resource Development etc. He also mentioned that Nagaland is a tri-junction and gateway to South East Asia.
Invest India, lauded the State Government for promoting the Hornbill festival to a festival of business conference, partnership and collaboration rather than mere festivity. He said Invest India’s main mandate is to support business expansion particularly in the area of investment. He appreciated and mentioned that the Government of Nagaland is the first State in the whole of North East to have Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) for investment and development of the State. He also emphasized the possibility of collaboration with Nagaland and the whole of North East especially in Tour Operators/Packages and establishment of industrial parks in the region.
Secretary, DIPR Sikkim, Annapurna Alley shared spoke on the similarities, advantages and disadavantages that the two States confront due to similarity in many aspects, such as the pattern of its terrain and the scope of tourism sector. She lauded the Government of Nagaland as the State is forging ahead in the use of bamboo resources. She also invited the Government of Nagaland and the dignitaries present to Sikkim during the 50th Statehood Day on 16th May 2025.
During the meeting, two Memomrendum of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland and Salesforce.com India Pvt. Ltd and another MoU between the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland and Omsheel Foods.
(Nongozo Rikha, Asst. Director & Wepre Kronu, APRO)
