2nd edition of North East India Festival (July 29-31, 2022)

The second edition of the North East India Festival was organized by the Embassy of India in association with North Eastern states of India and M/s Trend MMS from 29-31 July 2022 at Central World, Bangkok. Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Commerce, Government of Thailand and Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India (MOS (RRS)) jointly inaugurated the Festival at a grand ceremony held on 30 July 2022 in the presence of Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Nagaland, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and other Ministers and senior officials from the North Eastern states of India.

2.Speaking at the inaugural session, MOS (RRS) highlighted the strong trade and commercial relations and people-to-people contact between India and Thailand. Mr. Jurin expressed keen interest of Thai side in strengthening trade and investment links with India including at the states level. Thailand is the 4th largest trade partner of India in ASEAN region. Development of infrastructure in North East India, connecting it with South East Asia and the completion of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway would facilitate greater trade, investment and tourism between India and South East Asian countries. Direct air connectivity between North East India and Thailand for boosting trade and tourism was emphasised. MOS (RRS) also held a bilateral meeting with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi on 29 July 2022 and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

3.The Festival focused on trade, investment and tourism promotion as well as people to people and academic exchanges between North East Indian states and Thailand. A large contingent of artists, craftsmen, businessmen/exhibitors, tour operators, scholars and academicians from the North Eastern States of India participated in the Festival. An exhibition showcasing a wide range of products manufactured by MSMEs; Tourism B2B Meet and Trade Meet; and an academic seminar on historical connect between North East India and South East Asia was organized during the festival. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) sponsored 3 cultural troupes to participate in the Festival. Ministry of MSMEs sponsored participation of sixteen entrepreneurs from North East Indian states to take part in the exhibition. Local Thai artistes including the famous rock band Stamp and singer Ann Mitchai participated in the Festival.

4.This year, the Festival coincides with the commemoration of 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand as well as celebration of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Bangkok
August 01, 2022