The Government of Nagaland along with the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India is hosting the State Round Table of the North East Global Investors Summit, 2023 on 3rd June 2023 at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chumoukedima, Nagaland.

In this connection, various discussions ensued with the arrival of the distinguished investors on 2nd June 2023 at Zone Niathu. During the brief meetings, the investors were introduced to various government departments to explore ways for collaboration and partnership. The investors met with the line departments to discuss specific areas in which the investors are willing to invest and are ready to explore. Some prospective sectors covered include solar energy, marketing agro produce particularly millets, skill development in aviation, etc.

Following this, a closed-door meeting was scheduled between the Central Government officials and State government officials to discuss further key focus areas for investment which was chaired by the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, J Alam IAS. The Chief Secretary presented an overview of Nagaland, on facts and figures of Nagaland, and highlighted major projects that are ongoing and in the pipeline. The CS also highlighted 18 identified potential areas; food processing and agro-produce, sericulture production, mineral-based industries, tourism, handloom and handicraft, floriculture, and bamboo-based industries being some of them. The meeting also pointed out several challenges and constraints, some being unique to the State; namely the State's land holding system, the need for the development of border areas, power deficit among the other infrastructural, human resource, and credit-related issues.

At the meeting, it was collectively highlighted by several agencies and government representatives the need to provide credit for entrepreneurs, and the creation of Northeast-specific schemes and credit facilities, guidelines, and policies that will suit the needs of the Northeast. Some of the recommended areas highlighted by the participants at the closed-door meeting were the feasibility and the potential of exploring the extraction of pineapple fiber, plug-and-play facilities, setting up of hotels, agro-based processing centers, storage facilities, etc.  

The meeting was concluded by Lok Ranjan, Secretary, DoNER encouraging the State to proactively explore investment opportunities and provide an ecosystem and service that’s conducive to investment. The Secretary DoNER also highlighted that there is an ever-growing aspiration of our people, especially the youth, and these aspirations must be catered to by the State Government and efforts made to meet these needs. He challenged the State to develop a culture of healthy competition to keep pace with other states.

These meetings conducted before the State Roundtable for NorthEast Global Summit ‘2023 are instrumental in setting the tone for the main event.

(DIPR)