The Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), organised the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026 today at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, under the Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India. The initiative aims to strengthen export opportunities and improve global market access for MSMEs from Meghalaya. The inaugural session was attended by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma; Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge, Commerce & Industries Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar; Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed; senior government officials; representatives from FIEO; foreign buyers from sixteen countries; and local MSMEs. Delivering the inaugural address, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, congratulated the Department of Commerce and Industries and all stakeholders for organising the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet, describing it as “a proud moment” and noting that it was the first event of its kind not only for Meghalaya but for the entire North Eastern region. Sharing an anecdote to highlight the importance of perspective, he stated that opportunity often lies where limitations are first perceived, adding that “it is not about what we see, but how we choose to see it.” He emphasised that initiatives such as the RBSM must lead to tangible outcomes.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by a small State, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of sustained effort and consistency. Referring to the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Programme supported by IFAD, he recalled that the project had once been recommended for closure due to poor performance but has since been recognised globally as one of IFAD’s best projects. “Nothing changes overnight,” he stated, highlighting that transformation requires commitment, focus, and a clear vision. On global trade, the Chief Minister noted that uncertainty also presents opportunities in sectors such as textiles, garments, handicrafts, leather, footwear, and pharmaceuticals. He said Meghalaya has undertaken significant reforms to support the ecosystem, including removing over 400 regulations, nearly 70 of them in the labour sector, and introducing a unified investor portal for seamless clearances. Highlighting examples of value addition, he referred to pineapple farmers whose produce is now exported after meeting international safety standards, and women self-help groups engaged in turmeric processing. Emphasising partnership-based growth, he stated that the objective was to connect buyers with farmers and entrepreneurs in meaningful, long-term collaborations. Emphasising the importance of showcasing Meghalaya’s identity, he noted that GI-tagged and indigenous products reflecting the State’s cultural heritage had been prominently featured. He stated that such platforms “provide the market access needed to convert opportunity into sustainable income, exports, and employment.”
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, said the platform enabled direct interaction between local entrepreneurs and buyers from sixteen countries. He highlighted that Meghalaya operates largely in premium and niche segments, with a focus on quality rather than volume, and noted that production processes are largely organic and sustainable. Earlier, the Commissioner & Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Sanjay Goyal, highlighted that nearly 45 per cent of India’s exports come from MSMEs, and stated that while Meghalaya currently lags in contribution, the sector presents strong growth potential. He noted that the RBSM, organised under the RAMP Scheme, aims to create direct market linkages, with participation from 300 MSME representatives—nearly 200 active sellers—and stressed the importance of improving quality standards, packaging, regulatory compliance, and export readiness. A representative of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Neha Mehra, highlighted the importance of the RBSM in integrating MSMEs into global value chains and strengthening export readiness. Referring to the Export Preparedness Index published by NITI Aayog, she noted Meghalaya’s improvement to 27th position, and reaffirmed FIEO’s commitment to working with the State Government through capacity-building and export awareness programmes. The two-day event will continue on February 4 with structured B2B meetings between foreign buyers and MSMEs from Meghalaya.The Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet 2026 is expected to support trade partnerships, boost exports, and contribute to the State’s economic development.