IMPHAL, April 4: Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam today inaugurated the first ever grand expo in the State under the banner 1st Manipur Industrial Expo, 2016 (Industry Expo, National Handicrafts Fair, National handloom Expo & National Food processing Expo) today at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal.
The expo hosted by the State department of Commerce and Industries is sponsored by DoNER, Ministry of Textile, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Food processing, Ministry of Commerce & Industries and IOC.
Speaking on the occasion, Govindas said the department of Commerce and Industries is moving in the right direction with the right people.
The government, he said has a plan to promote Lamboi Khongnangkhong as the industrial hub of the State and planning to set up permanent trade cum exhibition space and apparel and garment making centre in the area.
Lauding the presence of Central government officials in the function, he urged to extend support in promoting and developing local entrepreneurs of the State.
He said the districts of Senapati, Tamenglong and Imphal East have been identified to establish industrial estates under the initiative and guidance of State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.
Govindas also said that the State government plans to meet the demands of local entrepreneurs. Delivering the key-note address, State chief secretary O Nabakishore Singh said more than 600 weavers and entrepreneurs have registered for the 1st Manipur Industrial Expo 2016.
Manipur is air as well as road connectivity and with the coming of the railways soon, transportation of commercial goods will not be an issue, he observed.
The inaugural function was also attended by MLA Uripok A/C L Nandakumar Singh, MLA Lamsang A/C W Brajabidhu Singh, secretary of Textiles, Government of India Rashmi Verma and DC Handloom, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India Alok Kumar.