Shillong, February 3 : Meghalaya took a decisive step toward becoming a major export hub of Northeast India with the inauguration of the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. The event, organised by the Government of Meghalaya in partnership with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and supported by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the World Bank, brought together more than 300 MSMEs and buyers from 15 nations.
A key highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of the ‘MeghaRise’ brand and logo along with a State-Level MSME Portal by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The digital platform aims to simplify access to government schemes, improve ease of doing business and provide global visibility to Meghalaya’s indigenous products.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed that the initiative was about building long-term economic partnerships rather than short-term transactions. Citing the global success of Meghalaya’s pineapples and high-curcumin Lakadong turmeric, he said the State was committed to deregulation and logistics expansion to empower entrepreneurs and attract investors.
CM stated, “We are here today not to do just business; we are here today to build partnership,” he stated, reinforcing his vision for sustainable growth.
The two-day meet is facilitating structured B2B engagements, enabling local exporters to directly interact with buyers from countries including Russia, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Bahrain, Nepal and Sri Lanka. More than 125 exhibition stalls are showcasing handloom, handicrafts, bamboo and cane products, agro-processed foods, honey, spices, herbal wellness items and other value-added goods.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar described the event as a “landmark initiative” for the region and noted that participating sellers had completed mandatory export documentation, making them fully export-ready. Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed highlighted Meghalaya’s advantage in premium organic produce, urging buyers to forge sustainable collaborations aligned with the State’s vision of a $10-billion economy by 2028.
Commissioner & Secretary (Commerce and Industries) Sanjay Goyal pointed out that MSMEs contribute nearly 45 percent of India’s exports and that Meghalaya is leveraging the RAMP scheme to create direct market linkages. Representing FIEO, Neha Mehra commended the State’s strengths in bamboo, Lakadong turmeric, pineapple and Ahimsa silk, and assured support in utilising Free Trade Agreements for wider market access.
Officials stated that the RBSM signals Meghalaya’s transition from a production centre to a global export powerhouse, with focused networking sessions and sectoral meetings planned over the next two days to deepen international trade ties.
