Tura, Sept 11: Meghalaya’s efforts to promote local enterprises and expand market opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) received a boost with the inauguration of the State Level Industrial Exhibition 2026 and Road Show at the Matchakolgre L.P. School Playground in Tura on Thursday.
Organised by the Department of Commerce & Industries in collaboration with the District Commerce & Industries Centre (DCIC), Tura, the two-day exhibition is being held under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme.
The event marks the first state-level industrial exhibition under RAMP to be held in the Garo Hills region. Being held on September 10 and 11, the exhibition carries the theme “Celebrating Local Products, Promoting Local Enterprises, Empowering Meghalaya.”
Director of Commerce & Industries, Meghalaya, M.L. Wanshnong, attended the inaugural programme as Chief Guest and formally opened the exhibition before flagging off the accompanying road show.
Around 60 stalls have been set up, featuring MSMEs and local enterprises from across Meghalaya. The stalls showcase a range of products, including handloom and handicrafts, cane and bamboo works, agricultural and processed food products, spices, honey, essential oils and other locally produced goods.
Addressing the gathering, Wanshnong highlighted the entrepreneurial and creative potential of Meghalaya and urged local businesses to explore markets beyond the State.
He pointed to Meghalaya’s strategic location and connectivity with South and Southeast Asia as potential advantages for entrepreneurs seeking to enter international markets.
Wanshnong also announced that a Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet involving buyers from 26 countries would be held in Shillong on October 10 and 11. He said international buyers at an earlier buyer-seller meet had shown interest in products including honey and handloom items.
He stressed that entering international markets required not only production capacity but also strong product identity, noting that the history, origin and cultural character of local products could add value and attract buyers.
The Director also called for renewed efforts to revive traditional cane and bamboo craftsmanship in the Garo Hills. He announced the proposed Common Facility Centre/Business Complex at Tura, which is expected to accommodate around 16 MSMEs and is likely to be inaugurated within the next six months.
He further said more than 6,000 youths had received training through various initiatives and encouraged entrepreneurs to utilise free branding assistance available under the RAMP scheme.
Joint Director, Commerce & Industries, Tura, D.F.R. Marak, said the exhibition was aimed at providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with markets, exchange ideas, improve products and establish business partnerships.
He said some enterprises that had previously participated in such initiatives had since expanded their markets and secured orders from outside Meghalaya.
The department has also been working to address challenges faced by MSMEs, including limited market access, branding, digital integration and awareness of government support schemes. Initiatives have included capacity building, innovation support, digital marketing and assistance with food safety compliance, accreditation and packaging.
The department is also facilitating digital market access through platforms such as ONDC, Amazon and GeM, besides promoting international market linkages through buyer-seller meets. Udyam Registration and Importer Exporter Code (IEC) facilitation camps are also being conducted alongside the exhibition to help entrepreneurs formalise their businesses and access institutional and credit-linked support.
Leave a Reply