DIMAPUR: Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) held coordination meetings with Business Union Changtongya Town (BUCT) and Business Association Tuli (BAT) on September 11, calling for greater unity among business bodies across Mokokchung district.
The meeting was held during the visit of an 11 member MCCI team led by president, Tsukti Longkumer to Changtongya and Tuli. The team conveyed that the chamber represented not only Mokokchung town but the entire district, including Changtongya, Tuli and Mangkolemba.
Discussions focused on strengthening coordination, addressing common market challenges and exploring ways to develop Mokokchung as a stronger commercial hub for neighbouring districts, particularly those in Eastern Nagaland.
MCCI executive member Tsukjemwati Kichu highlighted the commercial potential of Changtongya, Tuli, Mangkolemba and the Tzürangkong area, while questioning whether Changtongya could emerge as a market serving neighbouring Longleng and Tamlu. MCCI president, Tsukti Longkumer also stressed the need for local businesses to attract customers, identify opportunities and expand markets, noting that Tuli, given its geographical location, had not grown to its full potential.
Concerns were raised over challenges posed by outside vendors selling goods in rural areas and weekly bazaars. MCCI pointed out that local businesses comply with registration, GST and other regulations, while it remained unclear whether outside sellers followed the same requirements. The chamber cautioned that unchecked external markets could affect circulation of money within the district.
BUCT representatives acknowledged they had initially understood MCCI to represent Mokokchung town alone but expressed support for greater coordination, adding that common guidelines from MCCI could help business bodies align better. Both sides emphasised the need for business unity without discrimination based on race, creed or religion.
Longkumer further raised the possibility of Mokokchung district becoming a commercial centre for neighbouring districts, asking whether it could serve as “a shoulder to lean on” in terms of trade and markets. He added that the MCCI building under construction in Mokokchung was intended to serve the wider business community collectively.
It may be noted that BUCT, BAT and Mangkolemba Business body had earlier expressed interest in affiliating with MCCI, though modalities and guidelines were yet to be finalised. MCCI is scheduled to visit Mangkolemba in the near future.
Meanwhile, MCCI donated Rs. 1 lakh as relief assistance to flood affected people in Tuli and surrounding areas through Imsenperong Wati, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Tuli Sub Division.
