16 COUNTRIES TOOK PART IN THE REVERSE BUYER–SELLER MEET IN SHILLONG
At a time of global uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday said new opportunities are emerging for India in various sectors.
He said sectors like textiles, garments, leather, footwear, handicrafts, pharmaceuticals, and agri-products are opening doors where India in general and Meghalaya in particular, can play a meaningful role.
Addressing the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026 here, Sangma said, “Meghalaya has undertaken significant reforms to support the ecosystem, including removing over 400 regulations, nearly 70 of them in the labour sector, and introducing a unified investor portal for seamless clearances.”
Moreover, he said the state has also introduced a unified investor portal for seamless clearances for different projects covering different sectors and the state is also trying to add value to its products.
Highlighting examples of value addition, the Chief Minister referred to pineapple farmers whose produce is now exported after meeting international safety standards, and women self-help groups engaged in turmeric processing.
Emphasising partnership-based growth, he stated that the objective was to connect buyers with farmers and entrepreneurs in meaningful, long-term collaborations.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by a small states, the Chief Minister said there must be sustained effort and consistency to reach objectives. “Nothing changes overnight,” he said and added that transformation requires commitment, focus, and a clear vision.
Congratulating the Department of Commerce and Industries and all stakeholders for organising the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet, the Chief Minister described it as “a proud moment” and noting that it was the first event of its kind not only for Meghalaya but for the entire Northeastern region. “Initiatives such as the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet must lead to tangible outcomes,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet is “fundamentally different from conventional exhibitions or trade fairs,” as it is designed as a buyer-oriented platform focused on structured business-to-business engagement. He said the B2B Meet 2026 has drawn participation from 28 international buyers representing 16 countries — South Africa, Zimbabwe, Slovakia, Türkiye, Nepal, New Zealand, Russia, Bahrain, Kenya, Australia, Uganda, Gambia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Canada and Romania.
The event covers sectors such as agri and food processing, handlooms and handicrafts, fashion and textiles, bamboo and wood-based products, spices, and herbal and wellness products. More than 100 MSME sellers from across the state are taking part. On the occasion, Sangma also launched the MeghaRise logo and brand and the state-level MSME portal to strengthen branding, improve visibility, and facilitate access to digital services for entrepreneurs across the state.