Imphal, Oct 10 (UNI) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today described the state as a “dream destination for those seeking diverse opportunities,” and said it has the potential to emerge as the strategic gateway for global trade in the Northeast.
Inaugurating the two-day Manipur Global Buyers and Sellers Summit 2025 here, Bhalla said the state embodies natural abundance, creativity and resilience.
"Manipur is a dream destination for those seeking diverse opportunities... It has the potential to emerge as the strategic gateway for global trade in the Northeast," he said.
The two-day event, held under the theme “Bridging Business Sans Borders,” is part of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
The summit is jointly organised by the Directorate of Trade, Commerce & Industries, Manipur Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (MANIDCO) and the Manipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI).
As part of the inaugural programme, the Governor visited stalls set up by local entrepreneurs and industries, which showcased Manipur’s diverse range of indigenous products and innovations.
The summit witnessed participation from neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh and Thailand, along with representatives from Japan and several North Eastern states.
The event aims to promote Manipur as a potential hub for regional and international trade.
He highlighted the state’s distinctive products such as black rice (Chak-Hao), organic produce, handloom and handicrafts, and praised the skill, adaptability and enterprise of its human resource base.
The Governor lauded the resilience of communities in the state, including those recently displaced, for re-engaging in economic activities and creating value-driven products reaching both national and international markets.
Emphasising the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Manipur, Bhalla stated that the Summit is “more than an event — it is a statement of confidence in Manipur’s potential as a strategic gateway for global trade in the Northeast.”
He commended the coordinated efforts of the Directorate of Trade, Commerce & Industries, MANIDCO and MCCI, in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME’s RAMP initiative, for strengthening women-led enterprises and promoting local entrepreneurship.
With improved logistics, digital platforms and proximity to Southeast Asia, the Governor expressed optimism that Manipur is poised for rapid growth through global partnerships, sustainable production, and inclusive innovation.
The inaugural session was also attended by Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries and Transport), and Dr. Basudev Singh, President, Manipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, among other dignitaries. UNI NS RKM SSP