The ten-day expo, also called International Border Trade Show, is being organised by the Kolkata-based Nirvana Pilgrim Society Expositions in collaboration with the Mizoram Entrepreneurship Network (MEN).
The organisers said there would be international trade and cultural participation from neighbouring countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, China and Sri Lanka besides mainland India and other local participants.
In his inaugural speech, Mr Lal Thanhawla expressed his deep appreciation to such international event in this remote state. He hoped that the expo would open wide opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Underlining disadvantages of Mizoram, the Chief Minister said, ‘’Even though Mizoram is the most peaceful state in India and has an industry-friendly policy, it does not attract investors because of lack of good roads and proper infrastructure.’’
The Chief Minister was optimistic that things would get better once Zokhawthara (Indo-Myanmar border) land customs building and Kaladan multi modal transport project were completed. By that time, Mizoram will be an important trade route between mainland Indian and South East Asia, he said.
Participants from mainland India and Thailand arrived at the time of inauguration and those from neighbouring countries are yet to arrive even as more stalls are coming up. The organisers said 20 stalls were expected from Thailand alone.
Among the Indian participants is the Union ministry of Health & Family Welfare which will open free clinic and Ayush stalls.
According to the organisers, the Expo was being organised to promote MICE (M-meeting, I-incentive, C-convention and E-exhibition), tourism and international trade. It is also expected that the foreign visitors and their families would stay in Mizoram during the event and take a bus tour to the Myanmar border.
There will also be concurrent events on border trade mart, medical tourism and travel to promote tourism as a destination and also help locals to travel aboard for their holidays. The organisers have informed that besides the exhibition stalls, there would be cultural troupes from Asian countries and foreign food fest during the event to showcase neighbouring cultural links. The expo had been organised in Bhutan, Nagaland and Manipur recently.