National Conference on Mainstreaming the North East Region 12th 13th February 2016
Event Details
Date: 12 Feb 2016 – 13 Feb 2016
Chief Guest: Smt. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Honble Minister of State, Food Processing Industries, Government of India.
Tags: conference
Status:
Concluded
Venue
Place: Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima, Nagaland
About the Event
The two-day national conference aimed to evaluate the development paradigm of Northeast India and explore strategies for integrating the region into the national and global economy. It focused on industrialization, agricultural commercialization, food processing, handicrafts, connectivity, and trade under the framework of the Act East Policy. The sessions featured addresses by senior government officials, academicians, and industry experts, culminating in business interactions and field visits to understand practical challenges and opportunities for regional growth.
Event Highlights
- The conference inaugurated with addresses by Prof. Manoj Pant (JNU), Mr. T.R. Zeliang (Chief Minister, Nagaland), and Smt. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti (Minister of State, Food Processing Industries, GOI), setting the tone for discussions on trade and regional development.
- Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, delivered a special lecture on the commercialization of agriculture in the Northeast.
- Session I focused on Agriculture, Food Processing, and Handicrafts, discussing production trends, specialization in fruits, vegetables, floriculture, and challenges in bamboo product marketing.
- Industry experts and local entrepreneurs shared perspectives on enhancing productivity, market access, and skill development in the handicrafts sector.
- Session II examined constraints to food processing and trade, emphasizing issues of connectivity, marketing, and the role of Geographical Indications (GI) in promoting agricultural trade.
- Discussions also explored infrastructure gaps and policy recommendations for improving trade efficiency and logistics in the region.
- Session III addressed infrastructure, trade, and security, highlighting the Act East Policy, trade corridors like BCIM, and internal and external security dimensions affecting trade growth.
- Day two featured a Business Session chaired by the PHD Chamber, where traders from across the country discussed operational challenges in bamboo and agricultural trade.
- The Valedictory Session included a panel discussion led by Prof. Abhijit Das (CWTOS, Ministry of Commerce), PHD Chamber, and representatives from the Government of Nagaland, summarizing key takeaways.
- The conference concluded with a field visit to local sites, providing participants on-ground insights into the region’s trade and industrial potential.
