How are Nagaland and Arunachal Boosting Cross-Border Cooperation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are enhancing collaboration for economic growth.
- The Hornbill Festival serves as a cultural and economic platform.
- Joint initiatives focus on trade, tourism, and agriculture.
- High visitor turnout indicates demand for local products.
- An agreement was signed for ongoing collaboration.
Kohima, Dec 10 (NationPress) The administrations of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh convened a roundtable on Wednesday aimed at enhancing dialogue concerning cross-border collaboration, market access, and enterprise development between these two Northeastern states, according to officials.
Arunachal Pradesh served as the state partner for the 10-day, 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival, which concluded on Wednesday night with dazzling performances from numerous Naga tribes at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima.
A representative from the Nagaland government indicated that this engagement highlighted shared opportunities in sectors such as trade, tourism, music, youth and sports development, art and culture, as well as agriculture and related knowledge exchange.
As the state partner, Arunachal Pradesh proudly exhibited its products at the festival site in Kisama, emphasizing its cultural heritage and entrepreneurial initiatives.
This event emerged as a vibrant platform that showcased the state's cultural richness and entrepreneurial capabilities, the official noted. The pavilion featured an array of offerings, including GI-based handicrafts and textiles, homemade pickles, traditional rice wine and beverages, wellness products, teas, and fragrant items.
High visitor turnout and strong sales underscored the increasing demand for authentic, locally crafted products from the region.
Discussions during this engagement stressed the importance of strengthening inter-state value chains, facilitating B2B and B2G connections, and aiding artisans and entrepreneurs via collaborations, knowledge sharing, and institutional partnerships.
According to the official, both states reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing cooperation to unlock sustainable economic opportunities through joint efforts, aiming to position the Northeast as a competitive and culturally unique investment hub.
This engagement is part of ongoing initiatives to utilize the Hornbill Festival not only as a cultural celebration but also as a platform for significant economic collaboration and enterprise promotion across the region.
Furthermore, an agreement of partnership between the governments of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh was signed during the meeting, the official reported.
This agreement encompasses collaboration in areas such as music, tourism cooperation, art and culture, industries and commerce, business exchanges and partnerships, youth and sports, as well as agriculture and related sectors.
The objective of this partnership is to create a framework for cooperation, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives between the two state governments, the official added.