The north east region of India is gradually emerging as a major commercial hub. Trade and commerce fairs are being held regularly in different states and are attracting participation from neighbouring countries, besides giving a platform to local entrepreneurs. The government is also taking several steps to give an impetus to trade and business activities in the region.
A steady decline in insurgency has also given a boost to trade and commerce activities in the region.
Recently, several medium, micro and small industries from the north eastern region as well as from other states and neighbouring countries have come together to showcase their products at the ongoing 22nd Guwahati International Trade Fair.
The fair organised by the Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam in association with the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), was inaugurated by Union Cabinet Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Kalraj Mishra in the presence of several dignitaries, including the Bangladesh high commissioner.
“We are giving special focus on the north east zone. The Prime Minister has been trying to work keeping in mind the Northeast region. We want more small industries to come up through MSMEs, PMEGP and keeping the raw materials available here in mind. We are making schemes for skill development and employment generation for youth,” said Mishra.
“We have got participants from many other states and foreign countries like Bangladesh, Japan, Thailand and Pakistan. Rajasthan is our state partner. We are showcasing the products of those who have set up MSMEs after taking training at the NSIC.Lots of people, even those from outside the state come here and there is a lot of buyer-seller interaction,” said Bikas Adhikary, an NSIC official.
The Union Minister attended the inaugural session of the Northeast MSME Conclave at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the centre for promoting entrepreneurship in the MSME sector in the region.
He also inaugurated a business incubation centre on readymade garments and handloom for the north eastern region in Guwahati, where he promoted the Make in India scheme and focused on skill development.
“There were only two incubation centers in the Northeast region. We have decided to increase it to 15 and I have inaugurated one here. This will give a boost to entrepreneurship and provide employment to many people. We are working in this direction. We are also working towards removing the procedural difficulties involved with setting up MSMEs,” said Kalraj Mishra.
In Tripura, the 25th Industry and Commerce Fair being held at the Agartala International Fair Ground is giving a platform to artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their work before a wider market and interact directly with their customers.
Artisans from West Bengal, Jammu Kashmir and Bangladesh set up their stalls to showcase a variety of products.
Handloom and handicraft products, household items, decorative stuff, bamboo and cane works, and traditional garments were the major highlights at the fair.
The locals were happy to have access to a wide range of products.
“Few years back there used to be lot of insurgency and there was no development. People were not feeling safe or happy. But now with the return of peace and the feeling of safety and security, a lot of development is taking place. Tripura is developing and we are seeing a lot of industrial activity. This fair is an indicative of that. And with every year, we are finding more and more companies joining this fair. We are seeing new products,” said Rajiv Bishroy, a visitor.
“I had come to this fair last year also and I got a very good response. The market for my products is very good here in Agartala so I come here regularly,” said Tripti Ghose, a participant from Kolkata.
Trade and commerce activities are getting a momentum in the Northeast region and every possible effort is being made to fully utilize the available natural and human resources in the region to boost the economy.
(ANI)