Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya is moving to capture international market share for its farmers and artisans. State leaders are pushing local producers to utilize India’s growing network of free trade agreements (FTAs) to move goods abroad. The state government hosted an outreach programme in Shillong this Thursday, pulling in officials from the Union Department of Commerce and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar identified spices, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, honey, bamboo, handloom, and handicrafts as key exports. These sectors now have preferential access to markets in the UK, Australia, the UAE, Oman, New Zealand, and the EU. These partners represent a combined GDP of USD 26.8 trillion. Local businesses must secure Importer Exporter Code and Udyam registrations to start exporting.
The government is backing this push with the Centre’s Export Promotion Mission, which carries a ₹25,060 crore budget through 2030-31. This mission offers financial help and transportation aid via the LIFT scheme. Officials also pointed to the success of the recent Reverse Buyer Seller Meet 2.0, held October 8 and 9, 2026. That event connected 400 local sellers from all 12 districts with 30 international buyers, resulting in over 100 signed memoranda of understanding.
Trade connectivity remains a priority. The government wants to upgrade customs facilities at Bagli, Borsora, Bholaganj, Mahendraganj, and Dalu while establishing a new station at Umkiang. There is also a push to reopen five border haats and finish the Huroi border haat. Joint Secretary Kapil Chaudhary noted that India’s recent FTAs grant access to markets covering 75% of global GDP. She urged the state to improve its logistics to stop routing exports through outside ports.
Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, Commissioner and Secretary of Commerce and Industries, emphasized the need for better coordination between state authorities and financial institutions. He warned that the agreements require active participation from the business community to function. He stated, "A trade agreement is like a door that has been opened for us, but somebody has to walk through it." The state plans to follow this meeting with district-level workshops to turn these agreements into hard export results.
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