OSAKA, July 10: In a landmark first for the state, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, delivered a keynote address at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, marking Nagaland’s debut participation at the globally prestigious event. The special session, held on July 10, highlighted the state’s unique strengths in investment, tourism, and human resource development, positioning Nagaland as an emerging destination for global collaboration.

Speaking on the theme “Investment, Tourism and Human Resource Opportunities in Nagaland,” Dr. Rio emphasized the state’s strategic geographic advantage as a gateway to the ASEAN region and its reputation for peace, women’s safety, and cultural vibrancy. He outlined Nagaland’s proactive governance, secure environment, and investor-friendly policies—highlighting ease of doing business, single-window clearances, and policy-backed growth in sectors like agribusiness, eco-tourism, artisanal crafts, and creative industries.

“Nagaland offers a first-mover advantage across multiple sectors,” he said, pointing to the state’s high literacy rate, youthful population, and stable governance as key growth drivers. Dr. Rio’s address projected a confident, future-ready Nagaland rooted in tradition but open to innovation and global collaboration.

Following the keynote, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), delivered a dynamic presentation titled “Nagaland – The Land of Festivals: Celebrating Culture, Creating Futures.” Metha showcased the state’s vibrant cultural landscape, growing global reputation in music, arts, and sports, and a creative economy flourishing through start-ups, gaming, and film. He also highlighted strategic state policies like the Nagaland Start-Up Policy, Tourism Policy 2024, and UNNATI Scheme 2024 that are helping propel youth-led growth and investment.

Metha also pointed to opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, calling for global collaboration, technology transfer, and investment in Nagaland’s skilled and talented human resources.

The delegation included Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, who played a pivotal role in coordinating Nagaland’s engagements at the expo. During business-to-business meetings, Jakhalu emphasized the state’s potential in food processing, agri-tech, and industrial development, along with its high-quality human capital and vibrant youth base. She invited global investors to explore partnerships in Nagaland’s start-up ecosystem and highlighted the government’s commitment to enabling sustainable and inclusive industrial growth.

The session drew participation from dignitaries of the Government of Japan, the Osaka Prefecture, international pavilions, and corporate leaders, signaling Nagaland’s readiness to step onto the world stage.