Nagaland marks historic debut at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

Rio presents Nagaland as a new frontier for investment, culture, and innovation

DIMAPUR — In a historic milestone, Nagaland made its official debut at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio delivering the keynote address during a special session on Thursday.

According to a DIPR update, this marks the first-ever participation by the state in the global event, offering a platform to present Nagaland’s potential in investment, tourism, and human resource development to an international audience.

Speaking on the theme ‘Investment, Tourism and Human Resource Opportunities in Nagaland,’ the chief minister highlighted the state’s unique advantages as an emerging destination for sustainable development and global collaboration.

He described Nagaland’s strategic location in Northeast India—acting as India’s gateway to the ASEAN region—as a significant geographical strength.

Rio shared that Nagaland offers “first-mover advantage” across sectors such as agribusiness, eco-tourism, artisanal crafts, technology, and the creative industries.

“We have instituted a strong support system backed by single-window clearances, best practices, and high implementation standards,” he said, adding that the government is committed to ensuring a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly environment.

He also highlighted the state’s high literacy rate, youthful population, and cultural vibrancy as key enablers of economic growth.

“Significantly, the chief minister assured global partners of Nagaland’s record of safety and stability, especially highlighting its reputation for women’s security and a peaceful social fabric, making it an ideal destination for both tourists and investors,” it stated.

Also read: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio leads Nagaland delegation to Japan, explores and strengthens bilateral collaboration

Held every five years, the World Expo is one of the oldest and most prestigious global exhibitions, offering countries a platform to showcase culture, innovation, and developmental goals.

The 2025 edition in Osaka, themed ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ focuses on sustainability, technology, and inclusive growth.

Following the keynote address, a special presentation titled ‘Nagaland – The Land of Festivals: Celebrating Culture, Creating Futures’ was delivered by Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN).

Metha pushed for the state’s growing role in the global creative economy, its rich ethnic diversity, and the dynamism of its youth.

“He spoke of the internationally renowned Hornbill Festival, the state’s growing global recognition in music, arts and sports, and the emergence of Nagaland’s creative economy—from gaming start-ups to film production.

“He also emphasised the robust tertiary sector, abundant natural resources, and a progressive start-up ecosystem supported by state policies such as the Nagaland Start-Up Policy, Tourism Policy 2024, and UNNATI Scheme 2024,” it added.

Additionally, Metha highlighted the state’s agriculture and allied sectors as promising areas for investment and international collaboration, pointing to the potential for technology transfer and partnerships that leverage Nagaland’s skilled and educated workforce.

The Nagaland delegation also included Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries and Commerce, who played a key role in facilitating discussions with international stakeholders, it stated.

During a series of B2B meetings and engagements with global business representatives, Jakhalu underscored Nagaland’s potential in sectors such as food processing, agri-tech, and industrial development.

She pointed out the state’s investor-friendly policies and the conducive environment for partnerships.

Jakhalu also drew attention to the creativity and talent of Nagaland’s youth, describing them as a valuable asset capable of driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to bilateral and international collaborations.

The session was attended by senior officials from the government of Japan, Osaka Prefecture, delegates from various country pavilions, and international business leaders.

“This historic debut at the World Expo signals Nagaland’s arrival on the global stage—showcasing a confident, creative, and investment-ready state deeply rooted in its heritage and poised for the future,” it stated.