To promote trade and export of local and agri- Horti produces, processed food products, handloom and handicrafts and various exportable products from Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland Department of Industries and Commerce in collaboration with Agricultural and Export products Development Authority of India (APEDA) and Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT) has organised a two day event, “Vanijya Utsav” under the theme- Showcasing India as a Rising Economic Force, which got underway today, the 21st September 2021 at Urban Haat Dimapur.
Gracing the event as the special guest, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Imnatiba Jamir, observed that organising such events should bring end results with proper follow ups and urged upon the people to work and participate in the Government initiatives. Now is the most important time where one needs to be committed he commented and informed that the Department of Industry and Commerce has been playing proactive role and also the role of facilitator. He further informed that the department has created world class export center at Ganesh Nagar but regretted that the State has still not been able to attract even one investor. Mentioning that the unresolved Indo Naga political issue as one major underlying problem, hampering the State to go forward at par with other states, Imnatiba encouraged, “Let us energise each other.”
On behalf of the unemployed youth, Imna Along appealed to the Government of India and the Naga National workers for including construction of National Highways connecting with the important trade centers in all the districts of Nagaland, as and when they work about with the competencies. The Advisor also advised the Business Association of each District to work closely with the Deputy Commissioner s' of their District. He congratulated the Industries department for organising the event successfully and also the assistance given by APEDA, officials from the Central Government. The special guest inaugurated the stalls by cutting a ribbon and visited all the stalks with the officials.
Delivering the key note address, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, encouraged the gathering for focusing on the unique products of Nagaland which has high value. Nagaland is the only State where Special Economic Zone is developed and therefore we need to encourage exports, he maintained. He further said, “Let this exhibition not be the end of the conversation but find out things where department can go forward, he added. Observing that local economy has not been sustainable, Kevichusa informed that the department has a vision for strengthening this sector and said, “Let us move forward together.”
Economic Advisor, Department of Commerce, GOI, C. Vanlalramsanga, called upon all the States to act immediately for taking up the ambitious challenge of 400 billion dollars export target for 2021- 22. Observing that the North Eastern States including Nagaland has tremendous potential yet untapped for enhancing exports in various sectors, he encouraged one and one for taking part in the call and take immediate and immediate steps for rising to the challenge of achieving the merchandise export target for 2021-22.
He also appealed to all the stakeholders for attending the event across the country for working together as a team towards achieving the goal of boosting exports and the economy as the country celebrates 75 years of independence.
Assistant General Manager, APEDA, Bidyut Baruah, admitted that NER has ample advantage for exports due to conducive climatic conditions and also for sharing 98% of borders with different countries. While stating that APEDA bridges the gap between buyers and producers, he impressed on the need for good quality of continuous suppy of products. He also emphasized on the need for good testing laboratory, reminding about the sensitivity of international markets in terms of quality requirements.
Joint Director, Industries and Commerce, proposed the vote of thanks.
(DPRO Dimapur)
