Shillong, February 3, 2026: The Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), organised the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet (RBSM) 2026 on Tuesday at the State Convention Centre here. The event was held under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India, with the objective of strengthening export opportunities and enhancing global market access for Meghalaya’s MSMEs.
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| Dignitaries, international buyers and MSME entrepreneurs pose for a group photograph during the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet 2026 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.(Image Courtesy: x.com/SangmaConrad) |
The inaugural session was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Commerce and Industries Sniawbhalang Dhar, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, senior government officials, representatives of FIEO, foreign buyers from sixteen countries, and local MSME entrepreneurs.
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma congratulated the department and stakeholders for organising the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet, describing it as a “proud moment” and the first event of its kind not only for Meghalaya but for the entire North Eastern region. Emphasising the importance of perspective, he noted that opportunities often emerge where limitations are initially perceived and stressed that such initiatives must result in tangible outcomes through sustained effort and consistency.
Referring to global trade uncertainties, the chief minister said emerging opportunities exist in sectors such as textiles, garments, handicrafts, leather, footwear, pharmaceuticals and agri-products. He highlighted reforms undertaken by the state government to strengthen the business ecosystem, including the removal of over 400 regulations—nearly 70 of them in the labour sector—and the introduction of a unified investor portal to ensure seamless clearances.
On the occasion, the chief minister also launched the MeghaRise Logo & Brand and the State-level MSME Portal, aimed at improving branding, enhancing visibility and facilitating access to digital services for entrepreneurs across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, in his address, termed the event a “historic occasion” and said the Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet differs from conventional trade fairs by being a buyer-driven platform focused on structured business-to-business engagement. He informed that the meet has participation from 28 international buyers representing sixteen countries, 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. More than 100 MSME sellers from across Meghalaya are participating.
Highlighting departmental efforts, Dhar said extensive handholding and capacity-building initiatives have been undertaken, including export–import orientation, policy guidance and coordination with financial institutions to ensure MSMEs are export-ready. He added that GI-tagged and indigenous products reflecting Meghalaya’s cultural heritage have been prominently showcased.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed said the platform enables direct interaction between local entrepreneurs and international buyers, noting that Meghalaya focuses on premium and niche segments with an emphasis on quality, organic production and sustainability.
Earlier, Commissioner and Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Sanjay Goyal, stated that while MSMEs contribute nearly 45 per cent of India’s exports, Meghalaya’s contribution remains modest despite strong growth potential. He said the RBSM aims to create direct market linkages and stressed the need for improved quality standards, packaging, regulatory compliance and export readiness.
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FIEO representative Neha Mehra highlighted the role of RBSM in integrating MSMEs into global value chains and noted Meghalaya’s improvement to the 27th position in NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index. She reaffirmed FIEO’s commitment to supporting the state through capacity-building and export awareness programmes.
The two-day Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet will continue on February 4 with structured B2B interactions between international buyers and MSMEs from across Meghalaya.
