Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio today highlighted the state’s unique strengths as an emerging destination for sustainable investment and global tourism at the World Expo 2025 at Osaka, Japan. He was delivering the keynote address at a special session of the World Expo 2025, marking Nagaland’s first-ever official participation at the prestigious global event.
Speaking on the theme “Investment, Tourism and Human Resource Opportunities in Nagaland”, Dr. Rio outlined Nagaland’s strategic location in Northeast India—serving as a gateway to the ASEAN region—and emphasized the government’s strong commitment to creating a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly environment.
“Nagaland offers first-mover advantage across multiple sectors, from agribusiness and eco-tourism to artisanal crafts, technology and creative industries. We have instituted a strong support system backed by single-window clearances, best practices, and high implementation standards,” Dr. Rio stated.
According to a DIPR report, Rio also underlined Nagaland’s high literacy rate, youthful population, and cultural richness as key enablers of growth. Significantly, the Chief Minister assured global partners of Nagaland’s record of safety and stability, especially highlighting its reputation for women’s security and a peaceful social fabric, making it an ideal destination for both tourists and investors.
The World Expo, first held in 1851, is one of the oldest and most significant international exhibitions, hosted every five years with participation from countries across the globe. It serves as a platform for nations to showcase their culture, innovation, and developmental vision to an international audience.
The 2025 edition in Osaka, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, focuses on collaboration, technology, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Nagaland’s participation at this iconic global platform marks a historic milestone—elevating its visibility, fostering international partnerships, and placing it firmly on the global map as a vibrant, opportunity-rich region.
Following the keynote, a compelling presentation titled “Nagaland – The Land of Festivals: Celebrating Culture, Creating Futures” was delivered by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN). His presentation brought to the fore Nagaland’s vibrant ecosystem, youthful energy, and untapped economic potential.
Metha highlighted the richness of Nagaland’s ethnic mosaic, the dynamism of its youth, and the strategic policies in place to drive investment and innovation. He spoke of the internationally renowned Hornbill Festival, the state’s growing global recognition in music, arts and sports, and the emergence of Nagaland’s creative economy—from gaming start-ups to film production.
He also emphasized the robust tertiary sector, abundant natural resources, and a progressive start-up ecosystem supported by state policies such as the Nagaland Start-Up Policy, Tourism Policy 2024, and UNNATI Scheme 2024.
He also emphasised on the agriculture and allied sector, the possibilities for collaborations, transfer of technology and the vast potentials of skilled and talented Human Resources who can bring positive contributions in multiple verticals.
The Nagaland delegation also included Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland, Hekani Jakhalu who played a key role in coordinating the state’s engagements with international stakeholders.
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During the B2B meetings and deliberations with business representatives, Nagaland’s Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, highlighted the state’s strong potential for industrial development, particularly in sectors such as food processing, agricultural technologies, and the growing start-up ecosystem. She emphasized the investor-friendly policies of the Nagaland government, the conducive environment for partnerships, and the high skill levels of the state’s human resources.
Jakhalu also spoke about the vibrant, energetic, and creative youth of Nagaland, expressing confidence that their talent and innovation can significantly contribute to the strengthening of bilateral collaborations.
The session was attended by dignitaries from the Government of Japan, Osaka Prefecture, representatives from country pavilions, and global corporate leaders, further strengthening the message that Nagaland is ready for the world.
This historic debut at the World Expo signals Nagaland’s arrival on the global stage—showcasing a confident, creative, and investment-ready state deeply rooted in its heritage and poised for the future.
