Shillong: The Meghalaya government’s Department of Commerce and Industries, in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), organised the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026 on Tuesday, February 3, at the State Convention Centre in Shillong.
The meet is being organised under the Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME). The initiative aims to strengthen export opportunities and improve global market access for MSMEs from Meghalaya.
The inaugural session was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma; Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge, Commerce & Industries Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar; Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed; senior government officials; representatives from FIEO; foreign buyers from sixteen countries; and local MSMEs.
Delivering the inaugural address, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, congratulated the Department of Commerce and Industries and all stakeholders for organising the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet, describing 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.
He emphasised that initiatives such as the RBSM must lead to tangible outcomes. Acknowledging the challenges faced by a small State, the chief minister underlined the importance of sustained effort and consistency. Referring to the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Programme supported by IFAD, he recalled that the project had once been recommended for closure due to poor performance but has since been recognised globally as one of IFAD’s best projects. “Nothing changes overnight,” he stated, highlighting that transformation requires commitment, focus, and a clear vision.
On global trade, the Chief Minister noted that uncertainty also presents opportunities in sectors such as textiles, garments, handicrafts, leather, footwear, and pharmaceuticals. He 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.
Highlighting examples of value addition, he 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.
Sangma described farmers, MSMEs, buyers, and stakeholders as “the true protagonists of this programme,” and expressed hope that the two-day event would mark the beginning of sustained partnerships.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the MeghaRise Logo & Brand and the State-level MSME Portal to strengthen branding, improve visibility, and facilitate access to digital services for entrepreneurs across the State.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge, Commerce & Industries Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar, expressed gratitude to local entrepreneurs and stakeholders and described the event as “a historic occasion.” He highlighted 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.
Neha Mehra, a representative of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), highlighted the importance of the RBSM in integrating MSMEs into global value chains and strengthening export readiness. Referring to the Export Preparedness Index published by NITI Aayog, she noted Meghalaya’s improvement to 27th position, and reaffirmed FIEO’s commitment to working with the State Government through capacity-building and export awareness programmes.
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The two-day event will continue on February 4 with structured B2B meetings between foreign buyers and MSMEs from Meghalaya. The Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet 2026 is expected to support trade partnerships, boost exports, and contribute to the State’s economic development.
