The Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the British High Commission and the Welsh Government, hosted a landmark roundtable discussion at Hotel Vivor on November 30 on the sidelines of the Hornbill Festival 2024. The event served as a platform to showcase Nagaland’s growing opportunities and investment potential while fostering international partnerships in key sectors such as agritech, the creative economy, and entrepreneurship.
In his opening remarks, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, emphasized the global significance of the Hornbill Festival as a venue for networking and collaboration. He highlighted Nagaland’s transformation into a land of opportunities while retaining its rich identity as a land of festivals. Stressing the potential for agritech and the creative economy to drive economic growth, Metha underscored the importance of strategic collaborations with the United Kingdom and Wales to usher in a new era of sustainable development for the state.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, and Andrew Gwatkin, Director of International Relations and Trade for the Welsh Government, applauded Nagaland’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and foster international cooperation. They outlined potential areas of collaboration, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, skill development, and the creative industries, which hold immense promise for both regions. The roundtable concluded with a shared vision for fostering innovation, cultural exchange, and economic development through enduring partnerships.
Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries and Commerce, echoed the call for innovation and entrepreneurship, stressing the need to nurture a robust startup ecosystem in Nagaland with the support of international partners. She highlighted the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors with high growth potential. Jakhalu emphasized the role of collaborative efforts in building a sustainable and inclusive economy for Nagaland’s youth and emerging entrepreneurs.
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Director of British Council India, Alison Barrett, and British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Andrew Fleming, also addressed the roundtable, emphasizing the importance of cultural and educational exchanges in fostering long-term partnerships. Both leaders reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to working closely with Nagaland to create impactful programs that benefit communities and enhance Nagaland’s global visibility.
As a prelude to the round table, a separate roundtable was conducted in Dimapur, bringing together key stakeholders from Nagaland’s business community to understand the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for fostering economic growth in the region. The discussion focused on enhancing ease of doing business, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and identifying sectors with high potential for investment, including agribusiness, the creative economy, tourism, and technology. The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to present their perspectives on how international partnerships, like those with the UK and Wales, could support local industries, promote entrepreneurship, and drive sustainable development in Nagaland.
