Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi inaugurated the National Integrate Innovate Expand (NIIE) Trade Fair under the theme "Innovate, Integrate, Expand" on 3rd November, 2022 at NER Agri Expo, Dimapur, organised by the Business Association of Nagas and supported by Ministry of MSME, GoI.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor expressed happiness over the entrepreneurs from Nagaland and many North East states participating in the three-day trade fair. He stated that, the trade fair is a unique event because besides the trade fair a business summit is also being organized where many topics of importance like employment, Agri tourism, logistics, business financing and Women entrepreneurship will be discussed.
He mentioned that, the focus of our country’s economic reforms and policies is to eliminate poverty and enhance the prosperity of ordinary families, where trade must help common people, as they are the ultimate stakeholders. The Government of India’s key initiatives – such as Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, Stand-up India, Skill India, Smart Cities, and the resolve to increase farmers’ incomes – are all an attempt to make economic reforms more meaningful to those at the grassroots, he said.
He also informed that, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has emerged as an important and dynamic sector of the Indian economy. MSMEs not only play crucial role in providing large employment opportunities but also help in industrialization of rural & backward areas, thereby, reducing regional imbalances, assuring more equitable distribution of national income and wealth. Trade fairs like this help to showcase the vibrancy of the MSME sector. Nagaland has a young population and henceforth, Naga youth today should take up entrepreneurship and create jobs, as self-employment and giving employment to others is the way of development, he said. There are many schemes under the Ministry of MSME and initiatives by the central and state government which can be availed by young entrepreneurs to scale up, he stated.
He further stated that, soon after taking charge as Governor of Nagaland, he instructed the State Government to close all illegal check gates and collection centres run by unscrupulous elements which were putting extra burden on business community in particular and public in general. He is hopeful that this will create a conducive atmosphere for ease of doing business in the State. During the last one year, he has also visited nine Districts of Nagaland and had detailed interaction with business community and heard their grievances.
Jagdish, wished all stakeholders of the NIIE trade fair 2022 the best as they promote their goods and services, buy and sell products, enter into deals and use trade to bind our shared world even more closely. He also congratulated the Business Association of Nagas and the Ministry of MSME for coming together and organizing such an important and meaningful event. The Government of Nagaland shall continue to support such events organized by local industry organizations. With the involvement of all stakeholders, we can make a difference, he stated.
Joint Director, MSME-DFO Dimapur, Ministry of MSME, Govt of India, Taliwati Longchar, in his welcome address stated that marketing, is a strategic tool for business development, is critical for the growth and survival of MSMEs. Due to the lack of information, scarcity of resources and un-organized way of selling/marketing, MSME sector often faces problems in exploring new markets and retaining the existing ones. Keeping in view of these facts, the procurement and marketing support scheme has been introduced by Ministry of MSME to enhance the marketability of products & services in the MSME sector.
He highlighted that the objective of the event was to promote local products and services and create market linkage by engaging both Buyers & Sellers. This exhibition is for the national level and participants will be invited from all over India including the North-East Region. People from public sector units and Government department will also be invited. By organizing this Trade Fair, we are promoting new market access to all the participating MSMEs of both Manufacturing and Service sectors in NE Region, he added.
Earlier, Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, launched the website of MSME-Development & Facilitation Office. The programme was chaired by General Secretary, Business Association of Naga's, Dr. Yan Murry; Traditional Lotha Folk Dance was presented by North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur; Vote of thanks was delivered by Trade Fair Convenor, Benthungo Kithan.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
