The Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) has been invited by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) to serve as a Partner Agency for the upcoming "Rising North East" Summit, scheduled for May 23–24, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Led by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the summit will gather Chief Ministers of all eight North Eastern states, Union Ministers, top bureaucrats, business leaders, and global investors to highlight the region’s untapped economic, industrial, and trade potential.
The summit will focus on:
• Connectivity, sectoral development, and regional integration
• 11 thematic sessions, along with B2B and B2G meetings
• Sectors such as renewable energy, textiles, agriculture, IT, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, logistics, and international trade
As a Partner Agency, FINER will coordinate high-level sessions and stakeholder interactions to facilitate impactful investment opportunities. President Bajrang Lohia emphasized FINER’s role in ensuring effective collaboration between businesses, investors, and governments to drive regional growth.
BNE- How will FINER ensure that the summit goes beyond being just a showcase event?
Bajrang Lohia: After events like Advantage Assam 2.0, it’s evident that the North East has immense industrial potential. The government is taking this very seriously. We are inviting major industrialists and also engaging with regional industry groups to create a collaborative platform for investments. The goal is to ensure that real partnerships and ventures emerge from the summit, not just presentations.
BNE- How is FINER helping the North Eastern states to participate actively in the summit?
Bajrang Lohia: We are reaching out to all our 400 FINER members and extending the invitation to non-members as well. Many of them will participate in the thematic and B2B sessions. For instance, industries already established in the region can use this platform to collaborate with larger national players. On the B2G side, if governments need specific products or services, this summit can lead to new industries being set up locally, reducing dependence on imports from outside the region.
BNE- What are the plans to attract investment through the summit? Are there any specific collaborations being planned for the states?
Bajrang Lohia: We’re expecting a surge in investment interest, especially in sectors like textiles and bamboo-based industries. Assam is already showing a positive investment climate. For instance, with the Tata Semiconductor plant coming up, ancillary units are likely to follow. These developments can have a ripple effect, drawing in further investment across sectors.
BNE- Which sectors do you believe should be prioritized for development in the North East?
Bajrang Lohia: The MSME sector is the backbone here and holds immense promise. Food processing is another key area, given the region’s agro-diversity. Textiles and bamboo-based industries are also highly viable. Additionally, tourism is gaining momentum—11 five-star hotels are coming up, including one near Guwahati Airport being developed by our own group.
BNE- We recently saw the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in Delhi, and now this Summit. What is drawing national attention towards the North East?
Bajrang Lohia: The Prime Minister has consistently highlighted the importance of the North East by referring to it as the “Ashtalakshmi.” Earlier, the region was often overlooked, but that’s changing rapidly. Now, not only local entrepreneurs but also national players are showing keen interest. As confidence in the safety and viability of doing business here grows, more investors are coming in from outside the region. That’s a very positive sign.
BNE- How will the Rising North East Summit 2025 help local and traditional businesses?
Bajrang Lohia: Even small industries can create a vibrant ecosystem around them. Whether it's raw material procurement, logistics, or local hospitality, industrialization stimulates numerous support sectors. This will definitely benefit local entrepreneurs and generate employment in the region.
BNE- How is FINER supporting skill development in the North East?
Bajrang Lohia: FINER is directly involved in skill development efforts. As industries come up, there is an increasing need for local manpower. While highly technical roles may initially go to outside professionals, mid-level and unskilled roles are filled locally. Over time, as industries stabilize and expand, locals gain experience and replace external hires, creating a sustainable employment model.
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BNE- What is FINER’s post-event strategy? How will you ensure sustainability after the summit?
Bajrang Lohia: After the summit, FINER will rigorously follow up with industrialists who commit to investments. We will monitor the progress of MoUs signed and offer any handholding or support required. The goal is to ensure these collaborations materialize into real industrial projects.
BNE- What will be the parameters for calling the summit a success?
Bajrang Lohia: Success will be measured by the number of MoUs signed, the volume of investment committed, and how much of it is actually realized. With the DoNER Minister personally driving this initiative, we’re confident it will generate real momentum. Even if 50–60 percent of the committed investments are realized, it will be a major success.
BNE- What are the long-term prospects of such summits? Are there any upcoming events in the pipeline?
Bajrang Lohia: These summits create a positive narrative for the region. Earlier, the North East was perceived as a disturbed or remote area. Events like this break that stereotype and showcase the region’s potential. They offer a platform for investors from outside to directly engage with successful local entrepreneurs. When they hear real success stories firsthand, it builds trust and creates a fertile ground for future collaboration. We hope to see many more such initiatives in the future.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
