GANGTOK, : The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with the
Government of Sikkim and supported by Invest India, successfully concluded the
‘Conference on Business Partnerships and Investment in Sikkim,’ held for the
first time in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The
event on Monday — organized as part of the Sikkim Reverse Buyer Seller Meet —
promoted collaboration and shared investment opportunities between businesses
in Sikkim and the broader Western Region, particularly Gujarat, an official
release informs.
The
‘Sikkim Reverse Buyer Seller Meet’ featured three key components:
•
A half-day Investment Promotion Conclave engaging key stakeholders and exploring
avenues for investment in Sikkim’s vibrant economy.
•
Structured Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G)
Meetings, facilitating business collaborations and government partnerships.
•
An exhibition showcasing a diverse array of Sikkimese products, including
organic foods, spices, tea, handicrafts, handlooms, and innovative offerings
from startups for fostering market linkages, with participation from 30
entrepreneurs.
The
conference commenced with opening remarks by Sony Virdi, chairman, CII Sikkim
State Council &founder, Zion Education Trust, setting the context for the
day's deliberations, the release mentions.
This
was followed by an address from Vinod Agrawal, Convenor – Policy Advocacy, Ease
of Doing Business & Economic Affairs Panel and past chairman, CII Gujarat
State Council, who emphasized promising areas for collaboration between Gujarat
and Sikkim.
Agrawal
noted Gujarat’s expertise in tourism infrastructure, agro-processing,
pharmaceuticals, skill development, and renewable energy sectors and how they
could complement Sikkim’s organic farming ecosystem and sustainable growth
aspirations. He described Gujarat as “one of India's most vibrant industrial
hubs,” and Sikkim as “a beacon of opportunity in the northeast.”
A
special address was delivered by M Ravikumar, principal director of MSME, department
of Commerce & Industries, Government of Sikkim, highlighting initiatives to
strengthen the MSME sector.
The
highlight of the event was the keynote address by Sikkim Commerce & Industries
minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia. He articulated Sikkim's vision for industrial
growth, outlined strategic priorities for investment, and inaugurated the
Exhibition featuring Sikkim’s finest products.
A
unique one-on-one meeting between the minister and CII Gujarat industry members
was also organized, kickstarting fruitful investment deliberations. Delegates
had the opportunity to explore sourcing opportunities, market expansion, and
establish meaningful collaborations, the release mentions.
Throughout
the day, deliberations highlighted Sikkim’s growing potential in sectors such
as sustainable industries, organic agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy,
offering attendees valuable insights into the State's evolving economic
landscape.
The
conclave witnessed participation of around 120 delegates and attracted
footfalls at the exhibition throughout the day, the release informs.
