The Department of Industries & Commerce organized the Buyers & Sellers Meet 2024 at Bamboo Hall, Kisama, aiming to connect local businesses with potential partners and boost entrepreneurship in Nagaland.
Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, attended the event as the special guest. She highlighted the importance of such initiatives for a state like Nagaland, where entrepreneurship is still in its infancy. “Nagaland is a young state where entrepreneurship and business are evolving concepts,” Jakhalu stated, adding that the growing start-up culture is gaining momentum.
Jakhalu emphasized the uniqueness of Nagaland’s market, describing it as “pure and unadulterated.” She pointed out that this environment offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs to establish themselves early. Assuring attendees of government support, she expressed hope that the partnerships formed during the meet would significantly benefit both the state and the national economy.
Secretary of Industries & Commerce, Shanavas C, IAS, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative, under which the meet was organized. Acknowledging the challenges faced by businesses in Nagaland, Shanavas urged participants to view these hurdles as opportunities for innovation and growth. He also highlighted the state’s greatest asset—its young, talented workforce, known for strong work ethics and craftsmanship. “This meet marks the beginning of long-term relationships,” he remarked, encouraging attendees to seize the opportunities presented.
Director of Industries & Commerce, P Tokugha Sema, spoke about the dual purpose of the event—facilitating connections and promoting transactions. He stressed that sectors like handloom, handicrafts, and food products have immense potential in Nagaland, urging participants to capitalize on these opportunities to drive the region’s economic development.
The event featured several activities, including interactive sessions between buyers and sellers, Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, and a feedback session to discuss future collaborations. Sellers showcased a variety of regional products, offering buyers high-quality options to source for broader markets.
A total of 27 sellers from Nagaland participated in the meet, along with 18 buyers from across India, representing regions such as Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.