Guwahati – The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) North-East Initiative, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, organized the 3rd North-East India Buyer-Seller Meet today, continuing the momentum of the 2nd edition held in 2022.
The event focused on fostering business relations between North East India and neighboring South Asian countries—Bangladesh, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, and Bhutan.
The meet aimed to tap into the vast trade potential these countries present for North East India’s diverse sectors, including agriculture, textiles, food processing, and more.
In her welcome address, Atreyee Borooah Thekedath, Co-Chairperson of the Assam State Council, ICC, emphasized the strategic importance of North East India as a gateway to South Asia, given its proximity to international borders. She highlighted the immense opportunities for trade and export, expressing hope that such buyer-seller meets would foster closer ties between North East India’s entrepreneurs and their counterparts from neighboring countries.
The inaugural session was graced by Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, who underscored the interlinked growth of the region with its neighboring countries, touching upon various ongoing bilateral projects like mega irrigation initiatives in Nepal, hydro power ventures in Bhutan, and skill development programs in Assam. He stressed the importance of green technologies, as climate change becomes an urgent reality, and highlighted the upcoming semiconductor plant in Assam as a potential game-changer for attracting investments.
The event also saw the participation of key dignitaries including Longki Phangcho and Tenzing Norbu Thongdok, Members of the North Eastern Council, Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India, along with senior representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Thailand.
The Buyer-Seller Meet facilitated discussions between 60 international buyers and over 200 sellers, primarily from North East India, representing industries such as handloom, horticulture, manufacturing, IT, tourism, and more. The meet acted as an ideal platform for both national and international businesses to forge new partnerships and explore trade opportunities. Several expressions of interest were signed during the event, signaling strong potential for future collaborations.
Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director-NE, Indian Chamber of Commerce, delivered the Vote of Thanks, thanking all the participants, especially the international delegates, and expressing gratitude to the guests for their presence and valuable contributions.
The North East India Buyer-Seller Meet has not only provided a platform for networking but has also showcased the immense untapped potential of North East India’s diverse industries, reinforcing the region’s role in India’s growing trade and export sector.
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