Even as Meghalaya positions itself as an emerging hub for global trade partnerships amid shifting international supply chains, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday issued a blunt message to industry stakeholders, cautioning against symbolic MoUs without real commitment and stressing that the state is focused on outcomes, not optics. Addressing the inaugural session of the first-ever Reverse Buyer & Seller Meet—described as a landmark initiative not only for Meghalaya but for the entire North East—the chief minister underscored that the government’s engagement with investors and entrepreneurs would be driven by seriousness of intent and long-term collaboration. On global trade, the chief minister noted that uncertainty also presents opportunities in sectors such as textiles, garments, handicrafts, leather, footwear and pharmaceuticals. He said Meghalaya has undertaken significant reforms to support the ecosystem, including removing over 400 regulations, nearly 70 of them in the labour sector, and introducing a unified investor portal for seamless clearances.
“I am not a very big fan when it comes to MoUs, please don’t sign any MoUs if you have no intent to move forward, I am very serious about it. And don’t be hurt when I say that to you. Because we are here today to work in very serious and definitive work forward. We are truly committed to what we are doing. Our state is comparatively smaller state, our challenges are much more than you can imagine, if I look at my journey heading the government for the last eight years, it has been a roller coaster ride,” Sangma said.
The two-day Reverse Buyer Seller Meet 2026, organised by the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya, under the RAMP Scheme of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, began on Wednesday at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. Chief Minister Sangma attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar was present as the Guest of Honour on the opening day. The initiative marks the first such platform of its kind in the region, aimed at directly connecting buyers and sellers to expand market access and build durable trade relationships.
Highlighting the scale and diversity of participation, the chief minister said, “Of the globe as well as from the different parts of the country And most importantly, the sellers and the buyers from the state and from different parts of the world who is here today to be part of this reverse buyer seller meet 2026. It’s about the opportunities and how we look at the opportunities, it’s about mindset. A program like this does not end with simply this particular meet.”
The meet is being held amid rapidly evolving global trade dynamics, with new supply chains emerging and sourcing strategies being recalibrated worldwide. Officials said the platform seeks to position Meghalaya as a credible and competitive destination by leveraging its strengths across multiple sectors and linking local producers with national and international buyers.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge, Commerce & Industries Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar, expressed gratitude to local entrepreneurs and stakeholders and described the event as “a historic occasion.” He said the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet is “fundamentally different from conventional exhibitions or trade fairs,” as it has been designed as a buyer-oriented platform focused on structured business-to-business engagement.
Dhar informed that the B2B Meet 2026 has participation from 28 international buyers representing sixteen countries—South Africa, Zimbabwe, Slovakia, Turkiye, Nepal, New Zealand, Russia, Bahrain, Kenya, Australia, Uganda, Gambia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Canada and Romania—covering sectors such as agri and food processing, handlooms and handicrafts, fashion and textiles, bamboo and wood-based products, spices, and herbal and wellness products. Over 100 MSME sellers from across the state are participating in the meet.
The deputy chief minister highlighted the department’s extensive handholding and capacity-building initiatives, including export–import orientation, policy guidance and coordination with financial institutions to ensure that MSMEs are export-ready and capable of engaging with global markets.
Emphasising the importance of showcasing Meghalaya’s unique identity, Dhar noted that GI-tagged and indigenous products reflecting the state’s cultural heritage had been prominently featured at the event. He said such platforms “provide the market access needed to convert opportunity into sustainable income, exports, and employment.”
The state government reiterated that it remains committed to supporting stakeholders through deregulation, improved ease of doing business, skilling initiatives, logistics support and institutional handholding. With buyers and sellers participating from 16 countries, the government urged all participants to prioritise genuine engagement and tangible outcomes, asserting that it stands ready to work alongside industry to ensure long-term growth of the ecosystem.
CM Sangma warns against token MoUs, calls for serious intent at first-ever Reverse Buyer Seller Meet in Shillong
