Indian northeastern region can produce more for exports

Agartala, July 16 (ANI): The Federation of Indian Export Organization (FIEO), the apex body of exporters in India, asked exporters in northeast region to seek out more export destinations besides Bangladesh.

During a workshop held here on Thursday, the FIEO officials said that the northeast region has a skilled workforce and enough land that can produce organic horticultural products and rubber in huge quantities, as they are in great demand in developed nations of Europe, North America and Southeast Asia.

"From Tripura, we find that there are lot of opportunities, not necessarily for Bangladesh but even they can look for developed countries like Europe, USA or other Southeastern Asian countries. So, they should not limit their thoughts only to Bangladesh because Bangladesh can buy maximum...maybe some spices, some gingers, some turmeric or chillies that are grown here locally," said Pravin Sharaf, convener of committee on agro and special economy zone, FIEO.

"But for their handicrafts, or for latex, or for processed foods, they have to definitely look for the better markets i.e. in Europe and other Southeastern Asian counties," Sharaf added.

The awareness workshop was held to encourage the export of different items produced in northeast region, and to the equip the exporters with better information and facilities to boost their business opportunities.

More than 40 exporters participated in the workshop and expressed their commitment to boosting economic ties and resolved to make for the lost opportunities.

"Northeast, in spite of its rich natural and human resources, lags behind due to its poor connectivity, infrastructure, managerial and technical support," said G. P. Upadhyaya, General Secretary, FIEO. (ANI)