Over 300 MSMEs engage with buyers from 15 countries at Shillong ~
SHILLONG, FEBRUARY 3, 2026: The Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and supported by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and the World Bank, on Monday commenced the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, with the objective of positioning Meghalaya as a key export hub of the Northeast.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of the ‘MeghaRise’ logo and brand, signalling a unified identity for Meghalaya’s MSME and export ecosystem. Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also launched the State-Level MSME Portal, aimed at improving ease of doing business, enhancing access to government schemes, and enabling digital integration for entrepreneurs to achieve global market recognition.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Sangma underlined the State’s strategic shift towards fostering long-term economic partnerships rather than transactional trade. Referring to the successful transformation of local products such as pineapples and high-curcumin Lakadong turmeric into globally valued commodities, he said, “We are here today not just to do business; we are here to build partnerships.” He assured continued government support through deregulation and logistics scaling to empower both local entrepreneurs and international investors.
The RBSM 2026 facilitates structured B2B engagements, offering exporters from Meghalaya a unique platform to interact directly with international buyers, explore new markets, and establish lasting global partnerships.
Buyers from 15 countries—including Russia, South Africa, New Zealand, Kenya, Romania, Canada, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Turkey, Bahrain, Slovakia, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan—are participating in the event. They are engaging with over 300 MSME sellers across sectors such as handloom and handicrafts, bamboo and cane products, agro and food processing, honey, spices, herbal and wellness products, pottery, wood-based crafts, and other value-added indigenous products of Meghalaya.
The two-day event features more than 125 exhibition stalls, providing buyers with first-hand exposure to the State’s production capabilities through live demonstrations and curated displays. Structured B2B meetings commenced immediately after the inaugural session.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Commerce and Industries, Sniawbhalang Dhar, described RBSM 2026 as a “landmark initiative” for Meghalaya and the Northeast. He noted that all participating sellers have completed mandatory export registrations and documentation, making them fully export-ready. “This initiative demonstrates Meghalaya’s confidence in its enterprises and its readiness to engage with global markets,” he said.
Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed, IAS, highlighted Meghalaya’s natural advantage in producing high-value, premium agricultural products owing to its fertile soil and pristine water sources. “We are into a premium segment which is niche by default; we are far more organic,” he said, urging international buyers to pursue long-term partnerships aligned with the State’s vision of achieving a $10 billion economy by 2028.
Delivering the welcome address, Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, emphasised the immense potential of MSMEs in driving export growth, noting that MSMEs contribute nearly 45 per cent to India’s total exports. He added that under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, Meghalaya is actively facilitating direct market linkages.
Neha Mehra, Managing Committee Member, FIEO, lauded Meghalaya’s strengths in bamboo, Lakadong turmeric, pineapple, and Ahimsa silk, which align with global demand for sustainable and organic products. She also praised the State’s initiatives in promoting a creative economy through music and tourism and reaffirmed FIEO’s commitment to helping local MSMEs leverage Free Trade Agreements to enhance global competitiveness.
The initiative reaffirms the Government of Meghalaya’s commitment to transforming the State from a production hub into a global export powerhouse. The two-day event will also feature high-level networking sessions and sectoral meetings aimed at showcasing Meghalaya’s unique geographical and competitive advantages, setting a new benchmark for trade promotion in the Northeast.
