Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio showcases Northeast’s textile legacy, calls for investment in Nagaland

Neiphiu Rio speaking at the Rising Northeast Investors Summit in New Delhi.

• DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday pitched for investments in the Northeast’s textile, handloom, and handicraft sectors during his address at the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi.
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• In a series of posts on X, the chief minister described the summit as more than just business. “It's a celebration of a living legacy, weaving tradition & opportunity & a tribute to the region's culture & potential.”
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• Calling the Northeast Region (NER) a "tapestry of stories," Rio underscored the diversity of over 200 tribes and 192 languages, reflected vividly in the region’s rich craft heritage.

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• “Its crafts are expressions of resilience, creativity, hope, and empowerment—brought to life by skilled artisans, over 70% of whom are women.
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• “The world values authenticity & sustainability—qualities the NER deliver in abundance. Despite contributing over three-fourths of the country’s handicraft output, the region accounts for less than 1% of the national handicraft exports, signalling vast untapped potential,” he wrote.
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• In Nagaland, Rio stated, efforts are underway to align with international standards. The state government is collaborating with tribal councils and women’s organisations to ensure quality control in yarn, colour, and design.
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• The Chief Minister also highlighted the central government’s support through the Act East Policy and initiatives by the Ministry of Textiles aimed at transforming the region’s textile ecosystem through financial assistance and infrastructure development.
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• “The NER is a goldmine for investors: skilled workforce, 100% FDI in textiles, subsidies & tax reimbursement. The handloom sector boosts employment opportunities & reduces poverty. Together, let us thread the needles of progress & stitch a brighter, bolder future for the region,” he said.
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• In another post, Rio wrote that he had participated in a number of meetings with representatives of corporate companies, foreign delegations, and private investors at the summit.
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• “Nagaland is an investor-friendly state committed to ease of doing business with streamlined single-window clearances. With a high literacy rate, Nagaland offers a strong talent pool. We invite corporate partners & investors to join us in our shared mission of nation-building,” he stated.