Nagaland Chief Minister welcomes G20 delegates

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, welcoming the G20 delegates on Tuesday, said Nagaland is a land of tribals, spread over the Northeastern region and beyond, and are “recognised people”.

“We are spread over the Northeastern states and across the border; though it’s small, we are proud to have you in our land,” Rio said.

He stated that Nagas, earlier known as war warriors, have now become peace warriors with the advent of Christianity.

The chief minister expressed delight that the guests could come and visit the state, adding that it’s only the beginning for them.

Rio was speaking during the welcome ceremony of the G20 Business Summit at Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima on Tuesday evening.

Affirming that Nagaland still lacks infrastructural development activities, Rio said the state has good weather with forests covering about 80% of the land.

The chief minister said Nagas are rich in culture and traditions, and the state still practices customary laws under the provision of Article 371(A) enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Highlighting Nagaland’s tribal colours through songs and dances, performed by scores of artists during the evening as a welcome gesture, Rio expressed hope that the visiting G20 officials would have a fruitful and memorable Nagaland experience.

On Wednesday, the inaugural session will begin from 9 am in Kohima. The welcome remarks will be delivered by Pradeep Bagla, Chairman, CII North East Council.

This will be followed by addresses from Rupa Dutta, Principal Economic Advisor, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India and J Alam, Chief Secretary of Nagaland; followed by keynote addresses from Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State Ministry of External Affairs, government of India and Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio.

During the plenary session, opening remarks will be given by Vijay Rai, member of Confederation of Indian Industry.

This will be followed by addresses from Gaigongdin Panmei, Financial Advisor, North Eastern Council; and R Binchilo Thong, Agriculture Production, Commissioner Government of Nagaland on the topic ‘Agriculture Business Potential’; Agriculture and Food Processing by Burjis Godrej, Executive Director, Godrej Agrovet Limited; Dr. Aotoshi, Chairman Echahaba Tea Growers Cooperative Society Ltd; Krishna Datta, Head Certification Business TQ Cert Services Private Limited; Haobam Joyremba, CEO and Managing Director CubeTen Technologies Pvt. Ltd; Kunal Vaid, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Resham Sutra Pvt Limited; Arijit Purkayastha, Chapter Chairman – Northeast Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India; Investment Opportunities and Support Ecosystem for doing business in Nagaland by Kekhrievor Kevichusa , Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland; Matlub Ahmad, president of India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hekani Jakhalu, advisor of Industries and Commerce;  Alejandro  Simancas, Ambassador Cuba; Gudni Bragason, Ambassador Iceland;  Jason Keats Mathew Hall, High Commissioner Jamaica; Yasiel Burillo, Ambassador and Consul General, Panama; Fleming Raul Duarte, ambassador Paraguay; Manfred Auster, Consul General, Germany.