Roundtable explores collaboration in creative economy, culture, hospitality and people-to-people exchanges
A five-member French delegation led by Marc Boudin, Director of Alliance Française du Bengale, visited Nagaland from June 12 to 17 to explore opportunities for collaboration in the creative economy, tourism, sports, culture and international promotion.
The visit culminated in a roundtable meeting on June 16 chaired by IDAN Chairman Abu Metha, bringing together senior government officials, industry representatives and private stakeholders. Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between Nagaland and France through cultural exchanges, tourism development, sports cooperation and professional engagement.
Metha emphasised the importance of building long-term partnerships and strengthening people-to-people ties. He called for greater collaboration and the exploration of mutually beneficial opportunities that could contribute to Nagaland’s growth and international outreach.
Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Daochier I. Imchen, highlighted the potential of Nagaland’s cultural and creative sectors as drivers of economic growth. He pointed to initiatives such as cine festivals, film festivals, animation and gaming projects and invited the French delegation to collaborate in promoting local talent and creative industries.
Speaking at the meeting, Boudin described Nagaland as a “region of culture” and underscored the cultural similarities between the French and Naga people. He said the visit was aimed at creating stronger links between the two cultures and promoting Nagaland in France through partnerships and exchange programmes.
The delegation included professionals from diverse fields, including tourism, sports medicine, culture and the wine industry. Discussions also covered tourism and hospitality, culinary arts, preventive medicine, French language education, international media outreach and institutional partnerships.
As part of the visit, activities such as culinary appreciation and food-pairing sessions, a football enthusiasts’ panel discussion and the inauguration of the Football Corner at Ruby Café 24×7 were organised in collaboration with the Niathu Group of Hotels.
The visit follows discussions initiated during the Country Partner Business Roundtable at the Hornbill Festival last year, where potential areas of cooperation between Nagaland and France were first explored.
