IMPHAL, April 10: The deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, said it will be in the spirit of the times for the government to upgrade its permanent trade cum permanent exhibition centres, in the manner and style of Prakriti Maiden of New Delhi, and hold exhibitions throughout year said.
He asserted this in a valedictory function of the 7-days long 1st Manipur Industrial Expo 2016 at Lamboi-Khongnangkhong today where he was the chief guest. He further said the function it is with a vision to a developed future that the government decided to hold this Expo in Imphal.
He said that this is with an aim to showcase Manipur and the hidden talents in the state before global people. The Manipur is rich in indigenous items such as handicraft, handloom and other related industries, he added.
“Only through such Expo our talent can get exposure to the outside world and their potential in our handloom and handicraft production advertised. A good beginning will invariably mean good progress in future”, he said.
He asserted that the Manipur under the Ibobi-led government has done well in matters of development in the State. The fact and figure of the last 15 years in the matter are all before us, he added.
He said not that we have lots of developmental work and project in the pipeline, we have to contribute mite and honour our responsibility to fulfil these many infrastructural development works.
To realise a dream successfully, mutual understanding and help amongst the different communities, is very must needed Gaikhangam said.
L Nandakumar MLA Uripok said that an international standard industrial centre is coming up at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, and this is a pride of the State. He appealed to the concern people for cooperation in the government’s effort to acquire the land and make the project a grand success.
The concern authority must also be aware that the area is prone to floods and drainage issues, he said. He appealed for proper rehabilitation of the people.
Guest of honour, O Nabakishor said that national level exhibition centre is targetted to be completed in October. If this can be achieved, the government is planning to host the annual Sangai Festival 2016 at this site at Lamboi Khongnangkhong. This will ease the traffic congestion at Hatta Kangbung during the festival as in every year.
President of the function Govindas Konthoujam said that in the 1st Manipur Industrial Expo 2016 the government constructed 615 stalls and 539 private participants and 76 official participants are taking part.
In the seven days, the Expo has recorded a mixed sale proceed, and the lowest average sales was at Rs 540 per stall and highest Rs. 87,000 per stall.
He said the government also inaugurated the NE ASEAN Business Summit with 45 stalls and this was attended by the Minister of Commerce of Bangladesh with eight delegates. Ambassador from Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand, consulate general of Myanmar, delegates of Tamu-Kale chamber of commerce were also present.
He said most interestingly, two MoU were signed during the summit. One was between Indian Oil Corporation and Manipur Handloom and Handicraf Development Corporation Ltd and the other between Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Manipur Chamber of Commerce. The valedictory function was attended by the Union Minister of MSME Kalraj Mishra.
Govindas further said that as per the MoU signed with the IOC, the latter has approved to open Manipur handloom and handicraft showroom attachment free of cost at every oil station in India, which will highlight the talent of Manipur in this field.
He said that his department, Commerce and Industry, is targeting to complete the Trade and Permanent Exhibition centre by October this and this can be done under the Ibobi-led Congress government.