The two-day State Export Summit 2026 commenced on March 6 at the Rhododendron Hall, Nagaland Police Complex, Chumoukedima, organized by the Department of Industries & Commerce in collaboration with the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative, aiming to strengthen Nagaland’s export ecosystem and enhance the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
Chairing the inaugural session, P Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries & Commerce, emphasized the importance of building a strong export-oriented environment that will empower local entrepreneurs and industries to compete in wider markets.
The keynote address was delivered by Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, who stressed the importance of strengthening the export ecosystem and encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on improving product quality, branding and value addition in order to access international markets.
Jakhalu expressed appreciation to the participants and resource persons attending the summit and noted that experts from institutions such as the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) were present to provide technical guidance and insights to entrepreneurs.
The summit is structured as an intensive workshop, focusing on food processing on the first day, while handicrafts and handloom will be the main focus on the second day. Participants were encouraged to interact closely with the experts to gain practical strategies for expanding their businesses.
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Highlighting recent achievements, the speaker noted that Nagaland has performed strongly in the NITI Aayog Export Preparedness Index, where the state was placed in the leader category. Among the Northeastern states, Nagaland ranked first and secured the third position among small states in the country, reflecting the government’s efforts to build strong systems and platforms that support export growth.
To further strengthen the ecosystem, the Department of Industries and Commerce recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata, on 6th February 2026. The agreement includes plans to establish an Export Facilitation Centre that will provide guidance, training and market access support for entrepreneurs.
Officials also acknowledged challenges faced by businesses, including infrastructure gaps, limited access to finance and credit linkages. The government assured that steps are being taken to address these issues through targeted programmes and support mechanisms.
Entrepreneurs were encouraged to adopt improved business practices such as proper bookkeeping, financial management and structured business planning in order to meet the demands of modern markets. The traditional informal approach to business, the speaker noted, must evolve to align with national and global market standards.
Under the RAMP programme, the department has conducted extensive capacity-building and awareness initiatives across the state, reaching around 16,000 MSMEs, including entrepreneurs in remote villages. As part of the initiative, around 750 high-potential entrepreneurs are also being identified for focused support in the coming months.
The workshop further emphasized that entering international markets requires strict adherence to quality standards, certifications and regulatory compliance. Exporting products involves greater complexity than selling in local markets, and entrepreneurs must be prepared to meet global expectations in packaging, branding and product quality.
Referring to the idea of “Big Shift Nagaland 2047,” speakers stressed that planning for the future requires envisioning Nagaland as a developed state and working backward to implement the policies and interventions needed to achieve that vision. The progress of the state, they said, will depend not only on policymakers but also on the innovation and perseverance of entrepreneurs and startups.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Department of Industries and Commerce assured participants that it remains accessible and ready to assist businesses with guidance and support systems.
Delivering the welcome address, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, Secretary of Industries & Commerce, highlighted the need for close collaboration between government agencies, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to unlock Nagaland’s export potential. He stated that the summit was designed as a platform to guide local entrepreneurs in exploring export opportunities and strengthening businesses that carry both cultural heritage and significant commercial value.
The summit will provide participants with practical knowledge on export documentation, quality standards, certification processes, branding, packaging and logistics—essential components for preparing products for international markets. While acknowledging that Nagaland’s export volume remains modest, he noted that the state holds immense potential, particularly in sectors such as food products, handicrafts and handloom.
Highlighting the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” the speaker remarked that India’s development goal cannot be achieved without the active contribution of states like Nagaland. The state’s indigenous spices, traditional food products and value-added tropical produce have unique appeal in niche international markets. Likewise, Nagaland’s handloom and handicraft traditions embody a rich cultural identity that resonates with the growing global demand for authentic, sustainable and artisanal products.
With the right market linkages and institutional support, these sectors can generate employment, increase income opportunities and contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth. Participants were encouraged to actively engage with experts during the summit and explore avenues for collaboration.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kvulo Lorin, Chairman of NIDC, who expressed appreciation to all participants and resource persons for contributing to the summit and strengthening the state’s export ecosystem.
The event has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for promoting exports, improving MSME competitiveness and expanding market access for products from Nagaland.
