Shillong, March 25 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the 7th Act East Business Show at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, marking a significant step toward strengthening trade and investment ties between northeast and ASEAN nations.
The three-day event, being attended by key dignitaries including ambassadors and representatives of different countries, serves as a strategic platform to promote Meghalaya as a key destination for investment, fostering collaborations across diverse sectors such as infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and tourism.
While addressing the congregation of 14 countries, the Sangma emphasised Meghalaya’s growing role in regional and international trade, highlighting the state’s focus on infrastructure development, policy reforms, and business-friendly initiatives.
He stated: “What is most important for us as the state government and a nation is the strong partnership that we build. These events will come and go, but it is the partnership, bonding and friendship we develop through programmes like this.”
The Chief Minister expressed the presence of strong political will that Meghalaya and the country carry and added: “We must dare to dream big. We are very keen and very positive when it comes to programmes like these. We have set the foundations, we have created the policy infrastructure, and we have created the institutional infrastructure at the grassroots level. For us as a state government, growth is important, but the growth must come with sustainability.”
He focused on the importance of taking care of the environment, community, tradition and culture while focusing on growth.
Chief Minister underscored the importance of focusing on Self Help Groups and cooperative societies of the state, thereby ensuring that the development is inclusive and holistic.
The session featured key addresses from Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister & Minister of Commerce and Industries and Donald Phillips Wahlang, Chief Secretary, who underscored Meghalaya’s evolving efficient, transparent and conducive economic landscape and its growing global partnerships.
A multimedia presentation on Meghalaya as an Investment Destination was delivered by Commissioner of the Planning Department of the state government, Vijay Kumar.
The presentation highlighted Meghalaya’s Model of Development, Mission 10, key growth drivers, investment incentives, upcoming infrastructure projects, and the state’s strategic roadmap to achieving a USD 10 billion economy.
The three-day Act East Business Show 2025 is all set to feature multiple round table discussions and strategic dialogues on enhancing regional connectivity and trade, reinforcing Meghalaya’s position as a gateway to South and Southeast Asia. Ambassadors from several countries have been attending the event, officials said.
–IANS
TDR/Dan
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