The 4th Northeast Export Promotional Meet, held in Guwahati on Tuesday, sparked new trade possibilities by uniting policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from India’s Northeast with business delegations from neighboring countries. Organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the event highlighted the region’s growing role as a trade gateway to Southeast Asia.
ICC Northeast regional director Ishantor Sobhapandit emphasized the meet’s importance in fostering dialogue and building trade linkages. “The Northeast is a strategic connector to Southeast Asian markets, and forums like this are vital for unlocking its potential,” he said. The inaugural session saw participation from key figures, including Namgay Pelden, Bhutan’s vice-consul to Guwahati, Zikrul Hasan Fahad, assistant high commissioner of Bangladesh, Satinder Kumar Bhalla, secretary of the North Eastern Council, and senior Assam government officials.
A Ajay Kumar, MEA joint secretary (states division), reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, trade facilitation, and market access for the Northeast under India’s Act East Policy. DGFT’s Ajay Kumar Srivastava outlined the agency’s efforts to streamline export promotion schemes, simplify trade processes, and support exporters in tapping new markets.
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The event featured a trade and export awareness session focusing on financing, logistics, and opportunities in regional and global markets. A buyer-seller meet facilitated B2B interactions between Indian exporters from all eight Northeastern states and buyers from Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. These discussions aimed to forge partnerships and boost the region’s export potential.
The meet underscored the Northeast’s strategic importance as a trade hub, with stakeholders exploring ways to leverage its proximity to international markets. As India strengthens its Act East Policy, such initiatives are set to propel the Northeast into a key player in global trade networks.
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