Mokokchung, July 30 (MTNews): The second edition of the much-anticipated ‘North East Festival’ commenced from July 29 at Central World in Bangkok, Thailand  with a presence of 150 Thai tour operators interacting with North East India’s tourism stakeholders.

 

 

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio with Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy PM of Thailand (center), Union MoS for External Affairs & Education, Gol, CM of Meghalaya, Dy. CM of Arunachal Pradesh & Indian Ambassador to Thailand at the inaugural of 2nd NE India Festival, Bangkok on July 30. (Twitter photo @SangmaConrad

 

Taking to Twitter, the Nagaland Chief Minister expressed hope to strengthen ties, build partnerships & create trust while asserting that ‘North East India Festival’ will help in further “connecting the 2 regions with age-old social & cultural relations, shared history & ethnicity”.

 

“We want to initiate a Naga Emporium in Bangkok which will also be a facilitation centre to undertake investments in Nagaland. We look forward to the support & partnership from the Royal Thai Govt,” the tweet added.

 

He hoped that the Festival will give further thrust to the Act East Policy of the Govt. of India & Act West Policy of Thailand & other South East Asian countries and hoped that new vistas of opportunity in trade & tourism as well as people-to-people & cultural unification will emerge.

 

“Nagaland is known as the Land of Festivals. Throughout the year, festivals are celebrated among various tribes which culminate to the world-famous Hornbill Festival – the Festival of Festivals. We look forward to welcoming a Thailand delegation of the tourism industry this year,” the tweet continued.

 

He also highlighted the State’s brand “Naturally Nagaland” which signifies the ethos of its organic products and informed that in the exhibition space, products of Nagaland will be showcased.

 

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural programmer of the 2nd Edition of North East India Festival at Central World Complex, Bangkok, Rio said the event will give further thrust to the Act East Policy of the Government of India and Act West Policy of Thailand and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

 

“Nagaland Tourism is also venturing into a new tourism initiative ‘Reimagine Tourism’ by promoting off road destination and taking Tourism to interiors of Nagaland on off-road 4×4 trails in the ‘remoter’ areas where we expect to attract those interested in adventure and rural tourism,” he added

 

Rio said that India is investing extensively towards building infrastructure to connect its north-eastern region with the ASEAN countries as part of its Act East Policy.
“India – Myanmar – Thailand Trilateral Highway promises to transform the region’s economic landscape through trade with the ASEAN and the development of Kaladan Multi Model Transit Transport and building of an Integrated Port and Inland Water Transport Terminal in Sittwe being undertaken in consonant with the Act East Policy of the Government of India provides further impetus to the trade and investment of the NE region with the ASEAN countries,” he added.

 

He stated that the trilateral Asian highway passes through Nagaland and the state is ‘ready with requisite infrastructure and allied facilities for bilateral trade with Thailand and ASEAN countries’. He said that the state aims to become a preferred investment destination for anyone planning to cater to the ASEAN market.

 

Rio also stated that the state’s biggest strength is the creativity of its people, who are emerging in the creative fields starting from music, fashion, hospitality and service industry.

 

Over 150 participants from Nagaland, including policymakers, officials, entrepreneurs, cultural personalities, tour operators and media persons are said to be participating in the festival. Products of Nagaland are also being exhibited at the festival.

 

Rio thanked the Embassy of India in Thailand for hosting the occasion and appreciated the efforts put in by the Northeast India Festival team. Events at the festival included buyers-sellers meets, cultural programs, fashion events, exhibitions, discussions and interactions etc. The North East India Festival 2022 will culminate on July 31.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *