Meghalaya's Chief Minister Launches 7th Act East Business Show
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Synopsis
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurated the 7th Act East Business Show, aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties with ASEAN countries, at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. The event promotes Meghalaya as a key investment destination and focuses on sustainable development across various sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Meghalaya's Role: Strengthening trade ties with ASEAN.
- Investment Opportunities: Promoting diverse sectors like agriculture and tourism.
- Sustainability Focus: Emphasizing growth with environmental care.
- Strong Partnerships: Building lasting relationships through collaboration.
- Global Engagement: Attracting international dignitaries and investors.
Shillong, March 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, officially launched the 7th Act East Business Show at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on Tuesday. This event represents an important milestone in enhancing trade and investment relations between the northeastern region of India and ASEAN countries.
Over the course of three days, the event will host prominent dignitaries, including ambassadors and representatives from various nations. It acts as a pivotal platform for showcasing Meghalaya as a prime investment destination, encouraging partnerships across multiple sectors such as infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and tourism.
During his address to representatives from 14 nations, Sangma underlined Meghalaya’s expanding significance in both regional and international trade. He pointed out the state’s commitment to infrastructure development, policy reforms, and initiatives that are favorable to business.
He remarked: “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 conveyed that Meghalaya and India possess a robust political will, stating: “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 emphasized the necessity of caring for the environment, community, traditions, and culture alongside pursuing growth.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of empowering Self Help Groups and cooperative societies within the state, ensuring that development is both inclusive and holistic.
The session included significant addresses from Sniawbhalang Dhar, the Deputy Chief Minister & Minister of Commerce and Industries, and Donald Phillips Wahlang, the Chief Secretary, who emphasized Meghalaya’s evolving economic landscape that is efficient, transparent, and conducive to growth, along with its increasing global partnerships.
A multimedia presentation showcasing Meghalaya as an Investment Destination was presented by Vijay Kumar, Commissioner of the Planning Department. The presentation highlighted Meghalaya's Model of Development, Mission 10, key growth drivers, investment incentives, upcoming infrastructure projects, and the state’s strategic roadmap toward achieving a USD 10 billion economy.
The three-day Act East Business Show 2025 is set to include numerous round table discussions and strategic dialogues aimed at improving regional connectivity and trade, thereby solidifying Meghalaya’s role as a gateway to South and Southeast Asia. Officials reported that ambassadors from various nations are attending the event.
