Guwahati: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) wrapped up the 4th North East Export Promotional Meet in Guwahati with a strong pitch for positioning the region as India’s strategic connector to Asia.
Welcoming delegates from across the Northeast and neighbouring countries, ICC Regional Director (NER) Ishantor Sobhapandit stressed that sustained trade forums are crucial to unlocking opportunities for the region.
He said the Northeast must consistently engage with Asian markets through platforms that document issues, push recommendations, and create tangible outcomes for exporters.
The two-day meet, held in association with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Office of the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), saw the participation of policymakers, diplomats, trade officials, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Delegations from Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand joined stakeholders from all eight Northeastern states.
The inaugural session was attended by senior dignitaries including A. Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary (States Division), Ministry of External Affairs; Namgay Pelden, Vice Consul of Bhutan; Zikrul Hasan Fahad, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh; and Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, North Eastern Council, Ministry of DoNER.
A Ajay Kumar reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, trade facilitation, and market access for the region under the Act East Policy, while the DGFT highlighted measures to simplify trade processes and boost competitiveness of Northeastern exporters.
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The event also featured an export awareness session with expert inputs from the Land Port Authority of India, Department of Posts, ECGC Limited, and cross-border trade chambers.
The closing Buyer–Seller Meet generated promising business leads in agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, textiles, and allied sectors, with exporters from the Northeast interacting with buyers from across South and Southeast Asia.
With this edition, ICC reinforced its effort to brand the North East as a vital trade gateway, building stronger regional integration and cross-border partnerships.
