Export State Summit 2026 begins in Chümoukedima with Hekani Jakhalu urging entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities and scale businesses.
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DIMAPUR — A two-day Export State Summit 2026, organised by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce under Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme, commenced at Rhododendron Hall, Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on Friday.
Addressing the inaugural programme of the summit, Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu encouraged entrepreneurs to fully utilise the two-day export summit, stating that the deliberations and workshops are designed to help businesses gain practical knowledge and clarity.
Jakhalu urged entrepreneurs, both young and experienced, to actively engage during the workshop and ensure that all their queries are addressed so that they return to their businesses with meaningful learning.
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Highlighting recent achievements, she said Nagaland has been ranked in the top category among Northeastern states in the Export Readiness Index released by NITI Aayog and currently stands third among small states nationwide.
According to her, the ranking reflects the state government’s efforts to establish systems and policies that support export-oriented growth and asserted that while the ranking makes them proud, the next step is to ensure that entrepreneurs, especially young people, understand this opportunity and convert it into successful businesses that strengthen the local economy.
Jakhalu also informed that on February 5 the Department of Industries and Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata, to establish an Export Facilitation Centre in the state.
The initiative aims to create a stronger ecosystem to support entrepreneurs in exploring export opportunities.
She noted that while export markets may still seem distant for many local businesses, Nagaland’s entrepreneurs are innovative and hardworking and continue to sustain the state’s local economy.
At the same time, she acknowledged the challenges faced by the business community, including infrastructure gaps, credit linkages and access to finance.
The advisor said the government is working to address these issues while also urging entrepreneurs to adopt more structured business practices such as proper bookkeeping and management.
Under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme, Jakhalu said the department has already conducted awareness and capacity-building programmes across the state, training around 15,000 - micro, small and medium enterprises by reaching out even to remote areas.
She added that around 750 high-potential entrepreneurs identified during these outreach programmes will be mentored over the coming months to help scale up their businesses.
She emphasised that entrepreneurs aiming to enter international markets must comply with global standards, certifications and quality requirements, noting that exporting products requires commitment and consistent effort.
Referring to the broader development vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the state’s own goal of Viksit Nagaland 2047, the advisor said that the future growth of the state will largely depend on the initiatives and innovations of its entrepreneurs.
“The developed Nagaland we envision will not come only from government efforts but from the contributions and enterprises of people like you,” she said.
Following the inaugural programme, the first day of the export summit featured sessions focusing on the food processing sector.
The first technical session was held on the topic “Export regulatory framework and incentives: IEC registration, documentation, compliance requirements, foreign trade policy and promoting schemes (RoDTEP and duty drawback) for first-time exporters” conducted by Harish Kesari, Young Professional at the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Another session titled “Enhancing agri and processed food exports” was delivered by Joydev Roy, Business Development Manager at the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
The programme also included a discussion on “Enabling rural exports through India Post,” led by Daniel Domeh, System Administrator at India Post.