Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 29/25

7TH ACT EAST BUSINESS SHOW

The 7th Act East Business Show entered its second day with pivotal sessions focusing on empowering growth through technology and innovation in Meghalaya. Organised by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, the second day of the event marked a significant step toward establishing Northeast India as a key export hub for agriculture, livestock, food processing, and manufacturing.

Two parallel sessions were held, focusing on distinct themes. One session concentrated on making Northeast India a key export hub for agriculture, livestock, food processing, and manufacturing. The other session delved into empowering growth through technology and innovation in Meghalaya, with discussions centred around IT investments, emerging technologies, and sustainable development strategies tailored for the region.

Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, highlighted the significance of the event in boosting the state's economy through international collaborations. She stressed the need to double farmers’ incomes through natural farming and highlighted the critical role of plant breeders. Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, Software Technology Parks of India STPI, and Shri K K Singh, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT, shared insights on national tech policies and opportunities for Meghalaya. Shri Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, IT and Communication Department, Government of Meghalaya, outlined the state's vision in his theme address, Transforming Meghalaya into a Digital Hub.

Panel discussions, such as IT Investment Landscape in Meghalaya, examined infrastructure, investor incentives, and government support for tech-driven startups. The panel, moderated by Shri Kumbamutlang Nongbri, MCS, Joint Secretary, IT and Communication Department, featured insights from Shri Ebenezer Lyngwa Meghalaya Technology Park and Shri Mohit Gulati The Investment Trust of India. The session titled Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Growth, focusing on AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing, explored how innovation could boost socio-economic development.

Startups and cooperative societies from Meghalaya showcased their ventures to potential investors, fostering discussions on collaborations and funding opportunities. The session reinforced Meghalaya’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth. Participants identified actionable strategies to enhance digital infrastructure, support startups, and integrate advanced technologies into agriculture and manufacturing.

The three-day event, being attended by key dignitaries and delegates from 14 countries, including ambassadors and representatives of different nations, serves as a strategic platform to promote Meghalaya as a key destination for investment, fostering collaborations across diverse sectors such as infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and tourism.