The Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), organised a Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) on Tuesday at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India.
The initiative aims to strengthen export opportunities and improve global market access for MSMEs from Meghalaya.
The inaugural session was attended by the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma; Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge, Commerce and Industries Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar; Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed; senior government officials; representatives from FIEO; foreign buyers from sixteen countries; and local MSMEs.
Delivering the inaugural address, Chief Minister Sangma, congratulated the Department of Commerce and Industries and all stakeholders for organising the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet, describing it as “a proud moment” and noting that it was the first event of its kind not only for Meghalaya but for the entire North Eastern region.
Sharing an anecdote to highlight the importance of perspective, he stated that opportunity often lies where limitations are first perceived, adding that “it is not about what we see, but how we choose to see it.”
He emphasised that initiatives such as the RBSM must lead to tangible outcomes. Acknowledging the challenges faced by a small State, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of sustained effort and consistency. Referring to the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Programme supported by IFAD, he recalled that the project had once been recommended for closure due to poor performance but has since been recognised globally as one of IFAD’s best projects. “Nothing changes overnight,” he stated, highlighting that transformation requires commitment, focus, and a clear vision.
On global trade, the Chief Minister noted that uncertainty also presents opportunities in sectors such as textiles, garments, handicrafts, leather, footwear, and pharmaceuticals.
He said Meghalaya has undertaken significant reforms to support the ecosystem, including removing over 400 regulations, nearly 70 of them in the labour sector, and introducing a unified investor portal for seamless clearances.
Highlighting examples of value addition, he referred to pineapple farmers whose produce is now exported after meeting international safety standards, and women self-help groups engaged in turmeric processing.
Emphasising partnership-based growth, he stated that the objective was to connect buyers with farmers and entrepreneurs in meaningful, long-term collaborations.
