Guwahati: North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) advisor Sriparna Bhuyan Baruah recently said there is a tenacious need to establish more export houses and inspire women entrepreneurs to explore cross-border markets in order to unravel the export potential of Northeast India.
During the Northeast Business Conclave 2.0, Bhuyan shared her vision to advance the region's export capabilities with Business North East (BNE).
"We need more export houses to empower artisans and farmers, chiefly in the agricultural sector, as well as the handloom and handicraft industries. These markets remain disjointed, and soft interventions are necessary to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)," said Bhuyan.
She emphasised the position of founding common packaging centres to streamline the export process. "We need central facilities where products can be packaged and dispatched. Producer companies should be empowered to manage this process and finally handle exports. By providing infrastructural and organisational support, we can create a healthy ecosystem for regional products to reach global markets," said Bhuyan.
When asked about her advice for women entrepreneurs looking to expand beyond national borders, Bhuyan fortified them to adopt a broader vision and explore cross-border trade chances.
"Women need to think big. Many women in the region are engaged in the handloom, handicraft, and beauty sectors. There is immense potential for them to scale their businesses by focusing on herbal and sustainable products. They should consider aggregating volumes, maintaining high-quality standards, and exploring international markets," she advised.
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Stressing the global shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly products, Bhuyan advised women entrepreneurs to leverage their traditional knowledge. "With increasing demand for environmentally conscious goods, women can create unique, sustainable products that appeal to international consumers," she added.
According to Bhuyan, enhancing the region's export capacity requires a collective approach involving multiple stakeholders. "By establishing more export houses and empowering producer companies, we can create a comprehensive support system that facilitates the journey from production to export," she asserted.
The Northeast region, recognised for its rich cultural heritage and diverse agricultural produce, holds immense potential for export growth. Bhuyan's call for more export houses aims to unlock these chances and position Northeast India as a significant player in cross-border markets.
The Northeast Business Conclave 2.0 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss trails for sustainable economic development and the future of business in the area.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
