The Mokokchung Chambers of Commerce and Industry calls for greater unity among district business bodies to strengthen local markets and develop Mokokchung as a regional commercial hub.
DIMAPUR — The Mokokchung Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has called for greater unity and coordination among business bodies across Mokokchung district to address common market challenges and strengthen the district’s commercial potential.
An 11-member MCCI team, led by its president Tsukti Longkumer, visited Changtongya and Tuli towns on September 11 for coordination meetings with local business associations, according to a press release issued by the chamber.
The MCCI emphasised that it represents the business community of the entire district, including Changtongya, Tuli and Mangkolemba, and not just Mokokchung town.
Discussions focused on bringing business bodies under one umbrella, improving coordination and exploring ways to develop Mokokchung as a commercial centre for neighbouring districts, particularly those in eastern Nagaland.
MCCI executive member Tsukjemwati Kichu highlighted the commercial potential of Changtongya, Tuli, Mangkolemba and the Tzürangkong area.
He questioned whether Changtongya could develop into a market serving neighbouring areas such as Longleng and Tamlu.
MCCI president Tsukti Longkumer urged local businesses to attract customers, identify opportunities and expand their markets. He said Tuli’s geographical location offered considerable commercial potential and questioned why the town had not developed further as a commercial centre.
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The meetings also highlighted concerns over competition from sellers coming from outside the state, including vendors who arrive in trucks and other vehicles to sell goods in rural areas and weekly bazaars.
The MCCI noted that local businesses are required to comply with registration, GST and other regulations, and raised concerns over whether outside sellers operating through temporary or informal arrangements follow the same requirements.
The chamber further argued that the inflow of goods and markets from outside the district, without corresponding local business activity, could affect the circulation of money within the local economy.
Representatives of the Business Union Changtongya Town (BUCT) said they had initially understood the MCCI to be an organisation primarily representing businesses in Mokokchung town.
However, they stated that they had generally followed MCCI decisions concerning the market and expressed support for greater coordination among business bodies.
The BUCT representatives suggested that common guidelines issued by the MCCI could help business organisations understand their roles and coordinate more effectively.
The MCCI and local business representatives also stressed that the business community should function as one community without discrimination based on race, creed or religion.
Longkumer raised the possibility of Mokokchung district becoming a commercial centre for neighbouring districts and asked whether it could become “a shoulder to lean on” for neighbouring areas in terms of trade and markets.
BUCT, Business Association Tuli and the Mangkolemba business body had earlier expressed interest in affiliating with the MCCI. However, modalities and guidelines for affiliation are yet to be formulated, and further discussions are expected.
The MCCI is also scheduled to visit Mangkolemba in the future.
Meanwhile, the MCCI donated INR1 lakh in relief assistance to flood-affected people in Tuli and surrounding areas through Imsenperong Wati, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tuli sub-division.