Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said that there are large unexploited and unexplored natural resources available in the State that will provide tremendous potential especially for those who come early. He was promoting the investment opportunities in the State to the delegates at the fourth and final B20 session in Kohima, Nagaland.
B20 (Business 20) is the official G20 dialogue forum for the global business community.
Rio, in his keynote address, said that the G20 forum provides the perfect platform for international economic cooperation for the benefit of all.
Asserting that the State’s economy is mainly centred around agriculture and allied activities with about 70% of the populace being dependent on these sectors, Rio said that the exceptional aspect of it is that the bulk of the agricultural products are organically produced which has been possible as farmers mainly utilise natural manure and traditional practices.
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He said the State has a much lower population density than the rest of the country at 119 persons per square km, enjoying a very favourable land-man ratio. Whereas the tropical and subtropical climate in the region is suitable for growth and cultivation of agricultural products.
“Some items include the Naga chilli – which is the world’s hottest naturally occurring pepper, as well as varieties of tropical fruits and vegetables especially pineapple, papaya and passion fruit, which due to of their striking taste and quality have been able to garner good attention wherever they have been marketed to and made available. More modern cash crops like coffee and tea are also witnessing high quality harvests,” said Rio.
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Highlighting that ‘Naturally Nagaland’, a brand and marketing platform has also been created for the various organically grown processed foods and other traditional items in the State, Rio said there exist great investment opportunities in the agriculture and allied sectors of the State and further urged the delegation to consider exploring the immense possibilities in this sector.
On Tourism, Rio maintained that the state offers a huge potential for tourism industry,
especially for those desiring a unique ‘out of the box’ experience, as Nagaland is blessed with a pristine and beautiful natural environment, almost entirely untouched, and unpolluted, is a tourist paradise.
“Add to this, is the fascinating history of the Nagas as head-hunters and fierce warriors, our delightful folklores, and our unique culture, and one can get to enjoy a one of its kind tourist experience,” said Rio.
He also said, the State has a relatively young work force and a higher literacy rate than the national average and among the services sector, in particular, it is well equipped to excel in the IT sector, with the right guidance and building of the infrastructure ecosystem. Saying this, the Chief Minister also implored those who are from this field to consider investing in this sector.
Highlighting the above said sectors, Rio also said there are several other areas and sectors with good potential, such as, Handloom and handicrafts with traditional expertise, Sports and Youth Development, Animal Husbandry & livestock rearing, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Higher Education, Healthcare, and Logistics, to name a few.
He hoped that as the Business Meet progresses further, the delegations would identify more sectors which could be studied closely for investment and business opportunities.
Further, Rio pointed out that in the past, Nagaland State was considered closed to the rest of the country and the world perhaps due to its relative remoteness and backwardness, as well as its political history. However, over the past two decades, he said Nagaland has opened up to the world, and it now offers huge untapped potential in several areas of trade and services to the outside world.
“Due to the lack of industrialisation in the past, there are large unexploited and unexplored natural resources available in the State, which provides tremendous opportunities especially for those who come early,” added Rio.
Rio assured the delegation that the State is fully geared up to put in place all the requisite systems and the enabling policy frameworks for ensuring a robust exchange of investment and business opportunities and facilitating a rapid and sustained industrial development in the State.
“We will ensure creation of an investor friendly environment, provision of infrastructure and institutional support, attractive incentive packages and optimum utilization of existing resources in order to gainfully utilise/tap emerging opportunities in the national and international markets,” said Rio.
On behalf of the people of Nagaland I convey happiness on the visit of @g20org delegates & giving us the opportunity to showcase what Nagaland has to offer. The theme of India’s G20 Presidency #OneEarthOneFamilyOneFuture brings to the forefront our shared oneness in every aspect. pic.twitter.com/ZA2wzZCR8v
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) April 5, 2023
