The North East MSME Conclave 2025 held in Guwahati has reinforced the growing importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in shaping Northeast India’s economy. Organized by the Ministry of MSME in partnership with ASSOCHAM and state agencies, the conclave welcomed over 500 attendees.
Importantly, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria called the Northeast the “Gateway to the East,” citing the region’s central role in India’s Act East Policy. His remarks underlined a clear direction: economic progress in the region must be MSME-driven.
MSMEs: Engines of Economic Empowerment in the Northeast
Small Businesses, Big Impact
MSMEs are crucial for job creation, local manufacturing, and sustainable growth. In fact, they employ more than 8 million people in the Northeast. From handloom weaving in Assam to bamboo crafts in Tripura, small enterprises are deeply rooted in the culture and livelihood of the region.
Moreover, with digital tools and government support, these businesses can now scale beyond borders. Consequently, the conclave emphasized the need for modernization, market access, and financial inclusion.
“The next wave of Indian entrepreneurship can come from here,” said MSME Secretary Ranjan Prasad.
Key Highlights from the North East MSME Conclave 2025
1. MSME Export Hub Plans
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced plans to develop three new MSME export hubs in Assam, Manipur, and Tripura by 2026. These hubs will focus on:
- Processing and packaging of local products
- Market access to Southeast Asia
- Digital e-commerce platforms for rural artisans
2. Special Credit Scheme for NE Entrepreneurs
The North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) unveiled a ₹1,000 crore MSME Growth Credit Line, with interest subsidies for women, tribal, and green enterprises.
3. Handloom and Bamboo Sector Reforms
Recognizing the employment potential of bamboo and handloom industries, the conclave called for:
- Cluster-based production systems
- Modern training for artisans
- Branding initiatives under One District One Product (ODOP)
Act East Policy: Why Northeast Matters More Than Ever
Strategic Position = Economic Opportunity
Under the Act East Policy, the Northeast region is India’s most direct connection to ASEAN markets, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangladesh. As logistics improve with ongoing infrastructure projects — like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan multimodal project — MSMEs stand to gain faster access to international markets.
“The Northeast is not on the fringe — it is the future hub of India’s regional diplomacy and trade,” emphasized Governor Kataria.
Empowering Startups and Youth in the Northeast
Startups were a core theme at the North East MSME Conclave 2025. The North Eastern Council (NEC) and IIM Shillong announced a partnership to support early-stage entrepreneurs through:
- Seed funding up to ₹5 lakh
- Mentorship and incubation
- E-commerce training workshops
Additionally, Nagaland University was named one of four new regional startup incubation centers under the StartUp North East mission.
What’s Holding MSMEs Back?
Despite enthusiasm, MSMEs in the Northeast face ongoing challenges:
- Poor access to credit in rural districts
- Lack of marketing infrastructure
- High logistics costs due to terrain and connectivity
Industry leaders at the summit urged for:
- Unified single-window clearance systems
- Expansion of Udyam registration across tribal belts
- Tailored policies for low-volume, high-value sectors
Building a Self-Reliant Northeast
The North East MSME Conclave 2025 made one message loud and clear: the region’s small businesses are not just economic actors — they are custodians of its identity, tradition, and future prosperity.
Support Northeast MSMEs: Shop from local artisans, invest in eco-friendly startups, or volunteer for MSME skill training programs in your region.
Government, industry, and civil society must work in sync to unlock the region’s potential and make Northeast India a globally recognized manufacturing and innovation corridor.
Why This Conclave Matters
The North East MSME Conclave 2025 marks a turning point. By placing MSMEs at the heart of the Act East strategy, India is signaling that inclusive, sustainable, and regionalized development is not just desirable — it’s essential.
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