Meghalaya hosts show to strengthen trade ties with ASEAN countries

Meghalaya recently hosted fifth act east business show to strengthen business ties between ASEAN countries northeastern states.

The show was organised by the Indian chamber of commerce in association with Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). The show witnessed active participation of delegates from ASEAN countries including Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam, etc. It was organised to explore the enormous potential of hill state and its neighbors.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma while inaugurating the show laid emphasis on establishing collaboration with South East Asian nations to tap the underlying potential of the region.

He quoted that whole country including the Government of India, state governments of the northeast, and ASEAN countries realise the immense potential we have. "This programme is organised with the idea that extraordinarily collaboration of activities and trade between northeast India and these regions can be materialised," he added.

The forum invited investors to especially explore the untapped potential in various sectors including the agriculture sector of the region. A significant attention was given to boost the bamboo sector of the region as this region has huge potential for development of bamboo-based industries.

The show witnessed ASEAN nations like Bhutan, Thailand showcasing various products ranging from handloom, handicraft, garments, home decor items and other industrial products as part of the exhibition. Furthermore, the varieties of bamboo products were displayed during the business show symbolised the richness of the bamboo industry in the region.

The chief minister further said that he had a meeting with agriculture, soil conservation department of Meghalaya earlier where they discussed the bamboo sector and what Meghalaya can do to represent the revolution that Government of India.

Meanwhile, an exhibitor from Bhutan said, "This platform has considerably helped us. We got the opportunity to interact, advertise with many people. The chance to convince them why they should visit our place. Bhutan is the happiest place and also it is a zero carbonate country. There is immense business potential in our country."

Particular emphasis was also laid on expanding the market of jackfruit which sustains a high demand in countries like Vietnam which leads in processing of the same. The hosting of such business show in different northeastern states would immensely boost the trade, commerce and economic activity in the region.