After its inauguration by chief minister, T.R. Zeliang on Friday, now all roads lead to Nagaland International Trade Expo (NITex) being held for the first time in Nagaland.
Organized by Business Association of Nagas (BAN), the expo has been supported by multiple agencies like the Government of Nagaland, Union Ministry of Textile, Union Ministry of MSME, Union Ministry of Industry & Commerce, North East Council and Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER).
Living up to its core vision to promote entrepreneurship among Nagas and strengthen Nagaland by ushering the State towards a booming economy and self-reliance, the expo materialised with long meticulous planning and hard work by its organiser BAN.
Governor PB Acharya visited the expo on Saturday to inaugurate the MSME pavilion and had a luncheon, besides visiting various pavilions highlighting the importance of NITex for the State.
Hundreds of local entrepreneurs are participating at the expo and showcasing local produce and services. There is also a huge participation from other parts of the country from construction, real estate, automobile, textile, handicraft, gems & jewellery and agri-equipment sectors, besides government departments.
Now, with four more days to go for the expo to wind up, several exciting activities have been lined up. A two-day business summit will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday.
According to its organiser, the business summit will address various contentious issues and explore opportunities in Nagaland Special Development Zone, prospect of trade with neighbouring countries, building community farming and market linkages and building competent human resources. The summit will have resource persons from the fields of business, trade and commerce along with the delegate-level participation from Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FINER, North East Federation on International Trade and Confederation of Indian Industry.
BAN has urged all local entrepreneurs, business community, NGOs and stakeholders to participate in the business summit and share their thoughts and ideas. Further, starting from Tuesday, NITex will buzz with open-air concerts, which will be inaugurated by State Road & Bridges Minister Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire. The open-air concert will start at 5 pm every day and will feature various local talents, who will be performing along with internationally well-known national and international bands and singers like Alobo Naga, Tali Angh and Fiona & Mawitei from Mizoram.
Apart from exploring business opportunities, the expo also has been organised keeping in mind visitors of all age groups. So NITex has food courts offering a variety of cuisines and kids play zone. The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the public.
According to BAN, NITex is a two-way platform aimed at bringing technology, equipment, machines, market and services to the doorsteps of entrepreneurs and manufacturers of Nagaland, while at the same time promoting local products and potential to outside markets.