Shillong, October 8: The Meghalaya government on Thursday inaugurated the second edition of the International Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) 2.0 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, bringing together 395 local MSMEs and nearly 32 international and domestic buyers to expand market and export opportunities.
The two-day event is being held under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and is organised by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
Deputy Chief Minister and Commerce and Industries Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Commissioner and Secretary Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, Joint Secretary D.M. Suja, Director M.L. Wanshnong, FIEO officials, representatives from participating countries, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders attended the inaugural programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dhar said RBSM 2.0 would open new opportunities for Meghalaya’s entrepreneurs to connect with national and international markets.
He highlighted the state’s natural resources, skilled artisans, agricultural products and its 440-km border with Bangladesh, describing Meghalaya as a potential gateway to South and Southeast Asia. He also said the first RBSM held in February resulted in 40 business MoUs worth more than ₹3 crore and attracted participation from 15 countries.
Dhar said the state government is also working to improve policies, automate business processes, strengthen infrastructure and leverage the growth of tourism.
“Today, our vision is not only to produce more but also to market better, brand better and reach customers across India and abroad,” he said.
The meet is facilitating direct engagement between Meghalaya entrepreneurs and buyers from countries including the United States, Bangladesh, Canada, Uganda, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the United Kingdom and Kenya. The platform is expected to create new market opportunities for nearly 98,000 registered MSMEs in the state.
In his keynote address, Diengdoh said Meghalaya’s products carry distinct cultural value and stories that are increasingly gaining global recognition. He said trade and export should not be viewed merely as an exchange of goods but as an opportunity to build global partnerships and secure better value and exposure for local products.
The event also features an industrial exhibition and sales platform, a curated food court and live music performances. Wedding dress designs by students of the Executive Programme in Textile and Handloom under the RAMP Capacity Building initiative were also showcased during the inaugural programme. B2B meetings between international buyers and Meghalaya sellers will continue through the second day.
FIEO Managing Committee Member Neha Mehra said growing global demand for organic, natural and sustainably produced goods could work in Meghalaya’s favour, particularly as international buyers increasingly seek diversified supply chains.
She said combining Meghalaya’s natural advantages with modern processing, quality infrastructure, certification, branding and international market access could help create a new export model for the Northeast.
The government said RBSM 2.0 is part of its broader effort to strengthen market access, export readiness and entrepreneurship while integrating local enterprises into national and global value chains.
