Nagaland Power Minister KG Kenye has urged electrical and electronics manufacturers to expand their business presence in the Northeast and explore cross-border markets, describing the region as a potential gateway to emerging business opportunities in neighbouring countries.
Addressing a preview programme for ELECRAMA 2027, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) in Kohima on Tuesday, Kenye said manufacturers should look beyond traditional business centres such as Kolkata and recognise the economic potential of the Northeast.
He said India’s Act East policy, along with improving road and regional connectivity, had created opportunities for industries to expand their operations in the region and explore markets across international borders.
Pointing to the limited electricity infrastructure in several areas across the neighbouring border regions, the minister said these markets offered considerable scope for business expansion as consumer demand continued to grow.
Kenye encouraged manufacturers to consider Nagaland as a starting point for establishing business ventures and expanding their operations into neighbouring areas. He said improved road networks and international highways would further strengthen the region’s commercial prospects.
The minister also called upon industry leaders to invest in Nagaland and generate employment opportunities for local youth. He said the state had a large pool of educated young people seeking jobs, while the government’s capacity to absorb more people into public service had reached a saturation point.
He further pointed out that a substantial share of the state’s financial resources was spent on government salaries and wages, leaving limited funds for other development activities. In this context, he stressed the need for greater private sector participation to create employment and support economic growth.
Acknowledging the challenges businesses might face while setting up industries in Nagaland, Kenye said the state government was working to establish a peaceful and business-friendly environment. He assured manufacturers of all possible support to encourage investment in the state.
Power Department Principal Secretary KD Vizo also called on electrical and electronics manufacturers to establish production, assembly and repair facilities in Nagaland and other northeastern states.
Vizo observed that the Northeast had remained behind other parts of the country in manufacturing and urged companies to explore opportunities in the region. He said businesses could begin with semi-knocked-down assembly facilities if setting up full-scale manufacturing units was not immediately possible.
He added that the development of manufacturing activities could help address unemployment and provide more opportunities for the younger generation.
The programme brought together industry representatives and state government officials to discuss investment opportunities and the potential for expanding the electrical and electronics manufacturing sector in the Northeast.
Established in 1948, IEEMA is the apex industry association representing manufacturers of electrical and industrial electronics equipment in India. ELECRAMA is among the industry’s major platforms for showcasing technology, products and business opportunities in the electrical and allied sectors.
