CNCCI to host 1st first conclave of Northeast business community

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) will host the first Northeastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Conclave at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, from September 18 to the 20th.

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio has consented to attend the opening day of the conclave as the chief guest.

Announcing the conclave at a press conference held in Dimapur on Saturday, CNCCI Chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru said it will be a first of its kind in the Northeast region, wherein key stakeholders from all the eight states of the Northeast will meet.

Several ministers are also expected to attend the event, representing their respective states.

The conclave will feature prominent academicians from the Northeast and former diplomats who have served in various capacities and with expertise in the Act East policies, he said.

Following the inauguration of the conclave on the first day, representatives from all eight states will engage in discussions about shared concerns and issues on the second day, before collaboratively devising a concrete action plan on the third and final day, he said while sharing about the schedule of the event, adding that Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of IDAN, will attend the closing ceremony.

Untapped opportunities

Muru said that it took the CNCCI nearly two years of dedicated effort to turn the idea of holding the conclave into a reality, pointing out that numerous mutual benefits could be derived through collaboration and discussion among the participating states.

It will not be like one of those events filled with mere discussions, seminars and meetings, he assured, adding that they were committed to formulating an actionable plan and making earnest efforts to implement it by engaging both state and Union governments in whatever capacity necessary to achieve their objectives.

Pointing out that the Northeast itself is a substantial market but has failed to tap into its own potential and ends up looking beyond the region for opportunities, he said the delegates would discuss and address the primary issue, that is, “convergence of markets”. He added that it has become imperative to explore each other’s markets and collaborate to protect and harness these local opportunities.

NE: Market hub or transit?

The CNCCI chairman said the delegates will deliberate on Act East Policy. Expressing concern over the failure to come up with necessary systems such as customs and proper infrastructure, he said much has been talked about the policy for years now but many are unaware that ‘things have already started rolling’.

The northeast should become a market hub rather than just a transit market, he said.

Lamenting the northeastern states being secluded in terms of tourism, despite its natural beauty, he said the region can be transformed into an incredible tourist destination by collectively uniting and promoting Northeast tourism.

Muru also revealed that they will discuss the insurgency issue in the region, as it will be difficult to move ahead unless there is in peace in the all the northeastern states.

The eight states participating in the conclave are: Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Assam Chamber of Commerce, Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mizoram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Trade and Business Tripura and Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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