HT Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Feb 6: Nagaland’s Industries and Commerce Department on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata, to establish an Export Facilitation Cell (EFC) in the state through a partnership model.
The MoU was signed at the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in Kohima by Director P Tokugha Sema and Dr K Rangarajan, Professor and Centre Head, IIFT Kolkata.
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As per the agreement, the EFC will function as a dedicated institutional mechanism to provide handholding support and counselling to existing and prospective exporters, facilitate market access and enhance the overall export readiness of entrepreneurs across Nagaland.
Under the MoU, the EFC will assist entrepreneurs in identifying international markets, developing export plans, participating in trade fairs, navigating customs and tariff procedures, meeting certification and standards requirements and ensuring compliance with non-tariff barriers.
The Export Facilitation Cell will also support the state government in policy formulation, strategic planning and the implementation of trade promotion schemes.
In addition, IIFT Kolkata will provide expert consultancy through its 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 for the initiative and provide the necessary infrastructure for the EFC, including office space, internet connectivity and basic equipment. The department will also facilitate outreach, publicity and coordination with district industries centres and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sema said the partnership with IIFT Kolkata marked an important milestone in Nagaland’s journey towards becoming a competitive exporting state and would open up new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to access global markets.
