Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) is all set to host the first Northeastern States Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI) Business Conclave at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, from September 18-20, 2023.
Informing this at a press conference on Saturday, CNCCI president, Dr. Khekugha Muru, said that the three-day conclave would witness “real stakeholders” of all the eight North Easter states. Muru informed that state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, who would grace the conclave as chief guest, would preside as the president of the conclave.
CNCCI president said that invitations were extended to the chief ministers of all North Eastern states, but due to prior commitments, they would not be able to attend. However, he expressed optimism that ministers from each North East state would be attend the conclave.
He also informed that several Union Ministers had expressed their interest in attending the conclave, however adding that owing to the special parliament session, they cancelled their plans to attend.
Muru also informed that many renowned academicians and diplomats from various NE States would be attending the conclave and dwell on various issues.
Highlighting the schedule for three-day conclave, CNCCI president informed that conclave would be inaugurated on September 18. On September 19, there would be business session where all eight Northeastern states would address the pertinent issues.
On the final day, the focus would on devising action plans for implementation with advisor to chief minister and Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) chairman, Abu Metha, as guest of honour.
Asked about the agenda of the conclave, Muru said the convergence of markets would be a primary discussion point emphasising the potential of Northeast as a significant market. Describing North East region as a big market, he said it was high time to try and explore each other’s market and get the best of business from the market by creating opportunities for each other.
Murur stated that the conclave would delve into the Act East policy of the Government of India besides addressing the existing gaps in areas such as non-availability of customs, proper infrastructures including modern warehousing, inland containers to be parked, etc.
He said Northeast has the potential to transform into a thriving market hub rather than merely a transit point. Murur suggested the establishment of a joint tourism centre for the entire Northeast. He pointed out that there were untapped resources in the Northeast including oil, coal, and uranium.
On the concerns of illegal taxation and insurgencies across the region, he stated that the conclave would play a pivotal role in making vital decisions on those issues, saying there was need for a unified voice from the all eight NE states.
Muru disclosed that CNCCI had been planning to host the NSCCI Business Conclave for two years.
It may be mentioned that members from Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Assam Chamber of Commerce, Manipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mizoram Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sikkim Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Chamber of Trade and Business Tripura, would be attending the conclave.