Shillong, October 9: Limited production capacity remains a major challenge for local entrepreneurs seeking to enter overseas markets, Elmingstone Marak, Assistant Manager of the District Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC), East Khasi Hills, said on Thursday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Buyer–Seller Meet at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, Marak said the event provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to understand market requirements, assess their limitations and identify areas that need improvement to make their products competitive in international markets.
He described the meet as a learning platform for both entrepreneurs and the department, helping them identify gaps in production, marketing and supply capabilities.
Marak said international buyers consider not only the quality of products but also the ability of producers to supply the required quantities within the expected timeframe. However, many local entrepreneurs continue to operate on a small scale, making it difficult for them to fulfil large orders.
He said Meghalaya’s local products have the potential to reach overseas markets, but entrepreneurs need to strengthen their production capacity and improve supply systems to meet buyers’ expectations.
Direct interaction with buyers also helps local producers understand international standards, market preferences and business practices required to establish themselves in overseas markets, he added.
Marak further said the department has been organising workshops, capacity-building programmes and awareness sessions to help entrepreneurs improve their marketing strategies and understand the certification requirements relevant to their products.
On the possibility of extending similar programmes to rural areas, he said the department hopes to organise such initiatives in rural locations as well, allowing entrepreneurs outside urban centres to access market information and interact directly with buyers.
He expressed confidence that continued departmental support, coupled with improvements in production and marketing practices, would help local entrepreneurs gradually overcome existing challenges and expand their market reach.
