Attendees of the Germany-Nagaland roundtable meeting held in Kohima on November 30. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, December 3 (MExN): In what is officially termed a "landmark collaboration," Nagaland and Germany achieved a “significant milestone” with a productive roundtable meeting held in Kohima on November 30.
A German business delegation from the German Consulate engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, marking the first-ever international partnership for Nagaland's renowned Hornbill Festival, informed the State DIPR.
At the meeting, Abu Metha, Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland, welcomed the delegation and emphasized State’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and unique traditions, it said.
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration, he foresaw mutual benefits in the journey ahead, it added.
As per the DIPR, a notable aspect of the meeting was the exploration of unconventional food choices, including superfoods such as insects and worms, positioning Nagaland as an emerging destination for experiential tourism.
The delegation expressed interest in contributing to Nagaland's tourism industry, it said.
Barbara Voss, Consul General of Germany, Kolkata, also lauded Nagaland's hospitality and offerings, highlighting areas of cooperation such as environmental improvement, renewable energy, protection of cultural heritage, and promoting women and diversity in development projects, it added.
Tom Reiner, Regional Director, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, identified Naga products as potential hits among German consumers, expressing a commitment to facilitating their entry into German markets.
Salhoutounuo Kruse, Minister of Women Resource Development & Horticulture; Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor of Agriculture; and Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor of Industries & Commerce were also part of the roundtable. They stressed the importance of technical support, infrastructure, and collaboration for Nagaland's growth, the DIPR said.
Discussions also delved into sectors such as capacity building, handicrafts, bamboo-based industries, and bio-resources, with Rollan Lotha, COO NSRLM, highlighting opportunities in beekeeping. Representatives from Kohima Science College and Nagaland University proposed initiatives for knowledge creation, teacher and student exchange, and a multidisciplinary approach to traditional knowledge systems.
The identified areas of engagement spanned social sciences and technology, cultural exchange, sports collaboration, climate change, art and music, and skill development, signaling a comprehensive and promising partnership between Nagaland and Germany, the report added.
