Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio delivered the keynote address at a special session of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, marking the state’s first-ever official participation at the global event.
Dr Rio spoke on the theme “Investment, Tourism and Human Resource Opportunities in Nagaland”, positioning the state as an emerging hub for sustainable development, regional connectivity, and global partnerships.
“Nagaland offers first-mover advantage across multiple sectors—from agribusiness and eco-tourism to technology and creative industries,” the Chief Minister declared. “We have instituted a strong support system backed by single-window clearances, best practices, and high implementation standards.”
He emphasized Nagaland’s strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia, its peaceful social fabric, high literacy rate, and vibrant youth population as pillars of a thriving economy-in-the-making. Dr Rio also highlighted the government’s investor-friendly stance, with a focus on safety, transparency, and a conducive environment for innovation and partnerships.
The World Expo, established in 1851, is one of the oldest and most influential international exhibitions, held once every five years to showcase innovation, culture, and development from across the globe.
The 2025 edition in Osaka is themed ”Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and centers on collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Nagaland’s presence at the event marks a historic milestone, symbolizing not just visibility, but the state’s readiness to engage meaningfully with the global community.
Following the keynote, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), delivered a stirring multimedia presentation titled ”Nagaland – The Land of Festivals: Celebrating Culture, Creating Futures.”
He spotlighted the state’s globally admired Hornbill Festival, the creative energy of its youth, and its emerging strength in music, sports, and digital start-ups. Metha also introduced policies such as the Nagaland Start-Up Policy, Tourism Policy 2024, and UNNATI Scheme 2024, which are shaping a dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.
“Nagaland’s strength lies in its people—their creativity, resilience, and rich cultural identity. We are building an ecosystem that can compete globally while staying rooted in tradition,” Metha stated.
He underscored key sectors for growth—agriculture and allied industries, creative economy, gaming, film production, and tourism—inviting partnerships in innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable enterprise.
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The Nagaland delegation also included Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, who played a central role in coordinating the state’s bilateral meetings with global investors and business leaders.
In her interactions during B2B sessions, Jakhalu emphasized the state’s strengths in food processing, agri-tech, and industrial development, and the high level of skill and creativity among Nagaland’s youth.
“Our young entrepreneurs are bold, driven, and globally aware,” she said. “We are committed to building partnerships that will create long-term value for both investors and the people of Nagaland.”
The session was attended by dignitaries from the Government of Japan, Osaka Prefecture, international business leaders, and country representatives, reinforcing Nagaland’s image as a state with high potential for global collaboration.
(With inputs from DIPR)