Shillong, October 6: The Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), will organise the second Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM 2.0) at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on October 8 and 9.
Supported under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme, the two-day event aims to connect Meghalaya’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with domestic and international buyers and create opportunities for locally produced goods to enter new markets.
Briefing reporters on Tuesday, Commissioner of Commerce and Industries Cyril Diengdoh, IAS, said around 32 buyers have confirmed their participation. The buyers include representatives from Bangladesh, Canada, the United States, Uganda, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the United Kingdom and Kenya, along with domestic buyers.
The meet will provide participating enterprises with an opportunity to hold direct business-to-business discussions with buyers, with the aim of generating trade leads, commercial orders and long-term business partnerships.
Key sectors to be showcased include processed food, honey and bee products, handloom, black pottery, wood and stone carving, wellness products, and water hyacinth, cane and bamboo products.
The Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Commerce and Industries is scheduled to inaugurate the programme on October 8. The event will include exhibitions and structured meetings between MSMEs and participating buyers.
Diengdoh said the first edition of the RBSM, held on February 3 and 4, generated business opportunities, agreements and continuing commercial engagements. The department, he said, continues to receive updates on partnerships established during the first meet.
He said participating buyers have already identified specific products of interest. Buyers from Canada are looking at textiles, handloom, wood carving, and cane and bamboo products, while buyers from Uganda have expressed interest in processed food, honey, stone carving, black pottery and water hyacinth products.
Buyers from Sri Lanka are interested in wood carving and processed food, while those from the United Kingdom are looking at cane and bamboo products and turmeric. Buyers from Bhutan have expressed interest in paper bags and jute products.
Diengdoh said Meghalaya’s export strategy should focus on the distinctive quality and value of its products rather than competing on large-scale production volumes. He identified Lakadong turmeric, pineapples and traditional handicrafts as products with potential to reach wider markets.
At the same time, he acknowledged that enterprises seeking to enter international markets must meet quality standards, certification requirements and other conditions prescribed by individual markets. The department, he said, is working to build the capacity of local enterprises and help those with export potential prepare for such requirements.
Packaging was also highlighted as an important area for improvement. Diengdoh said packaging for products such as Lakadong turmeric has improved over the years, while direct interaction with overseas buyers during the meet would help entrepreneurs better understand market-specific packaging preferences.
He also highlighted the employment potential of the MSME sector, noting that many enterprises are led by young entrepreneurs and generate both direct and indirect employment.
Encouraging young people to take up entrepreneurship, Diengdoh said they could bring together farmers, artisans and producers while using skills in marketing, e-commerce and digital platforms to expand access to markets.
He urged enterprises that have not yet registered to do so and engage with the department for guidance, capacity-building support and information on relevant government schemes.
Diengdoh further said the government is developing facilities to provide space for MSMEs that require premises to establish their units. He stressed that enterprise development requires coordination among departments dealing with entrepreneurship, skills development and employment.
Officials attending the briefing also outlined ongoing government support through training, exhibitions, branding and marketing initiatives, including efforts to preserve and promote Meghalaya’s traditional crafts.
The organisers said RBSM 2.0 will provide local enterprises with an opportunity to interact directly with overseas buyers, develop business networks and gain practical exposure to international market requirements.
