Dimapur: Nagaland’s industries and commerce department on Thursday signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata, at the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in Kohima to establish an export facilitation cell (EFC) in the state through a partnership model.
The MoU was signed by Director of Industries and Commerce P. Tokugha Sema and Dr K. Rangarajan, professor and centre head, IIFT Kolkata.
As per the MoU, the EFC will function as a dedicated institutional mechanism to provide handholding support and counselling to existing and prospective exporters, facilitate market access, and strengthen the overall export readiness of entrepreneurs across the state.
Under the MoU, the EFC will assist entrepreneurs in areas such as identifying international markets, developing export plans, trade fair participation, customs and tariff procedures, certifications and standards, and compliance with non-tariff barriers.
The cell will also support the state government in policy formulation, strategic planning, and the implementation of trade promotion schemes.
IIFT will also provide expert consultancy through faculty members and export specialists, develop a web-based information dissemination platform with a query-builder system, and conduct research and knowledge-based studies on international trade and business relevant to Nagaland.
The industries and commerce department will act as the nodal agency and provide the necessary infrastructure for the EFC, including office space, internet connectivity, and basic equipment, besides facilitating outreach, publicity, and coordination with district industries centres and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Sema said the partnership with IIFT Kolkata marked an important milestone in Nagaland’s journey towards becoming a competitive exporting state and would open new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to access global markets.