Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has stressed the need to leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) through outreach programmes to help local entrepreneurs, artisans and MSMEs explore new markets and expand their businesses.
Speaking at a one-day workshop focused on MSMEs, Dhar said such programmes help local businesses understand available opportunities, access guidance from government officials and identify markets for their products.
“Sometimes we have our products, but we do not know where to sell them or where to go. These workshops provide dialogue, advice and suggestions for our local entrepreneurs,” Dhar said.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening cross-border trade infrastructure, particularly through the establishment of more Land Custom Stations at Dawki, Borsora and Baghmara. He said improved connectivity and trade facilities could help Meghalaya businesses access markets in Bangladesh and generate employment.
Dhar said the state would follow up with the Centre on pending proposals to expand trade infrastructure, adding that greater trade activity could boost government revenue and create direct and indirect employment.
He also stressed the importance of coordination between the state and central governments in helping businesses understand trade policies and translate available opportunities into actual business growth.
Dhar said outreach workshops and seller-buyer meets could play an important role in connecting local producers with wider markets and helping Meghalaya’s MSMEs benefit from emerging international trade opportunities.