Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hailed the Rising NorthEast Investors Summit 2025 as a “positive and timely move,” crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and support for making the initiative possible.
Speaking at the summit session titled ”Threads of Heritage: Textiles, Handlooms & Handicrafts in Focus” in New Delhi, Rio stated that the gathering was more than just a business event—”it’s a celebration of a living legacy, weaving tradition and opportunity, and a tribute to the region’s culture and potential.”
Highlighting the textile potential of Nagaland and the Northeast Region (NER), Rio noted that crafts remain the second-largest economic activity after agriculture, employing nearly 25 lakh artisans. He added that the Government of India, through its Act East policy and the Ministry of Textiles, is investing in transforming the region’s textile ecosystem.
Calling the NER a “goldmine for investors,” Rio cited its skilled workforce, 100% FDI allowance in textiles, government subsidies, and tax reimbursements. “Together, let us thread the needles of progress and stitch a brighter, bolder future for the Region,” he said.
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Rio also shared that his government is working on a roadmap to generate employment for 500,000 youths in Nagaland by 2030.
Highlighting Nagaland as an “investor-friendly state,” Rio said the state is committed to streamlining single-window clearances to ease business processes. “With a high literacy rate, Nagaland offers a strong talent pool. We invite corporate partners and investors to join us in our shared mission of nation-building,” he stated.
Rio also pointed to the region’s extraordinary cultural diversity, with over 200 tribes and 192 languages, and described its textile crafts as expressions of “resilience, creativity, hope, and empowerment.” He said efforts are underway in Nagaland to enhance quality control in yarn, dyes, and handlooms to meet global standards, while working with tribal and women’s organizations to ensure authenticity, fair pricing, and standardized designs.
In addition to addressing the summit, Rio held multiple meetings with corporate representatives, foreign delegations, and private investors.