The 3rd edition of the North East India Festival, a highly significant event facilitating the connection between India’s North East and South East Asia, is scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from October 27th to 29th, 2023. This event serves the overarching objectives of showcasing and promoting the rich culture of North East India, encouraging vibrant people-to-people exchanges, and strengthening business ties with South East Asia. Notably, it closely aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s Act East policy, emphasising India’s commitment to bolstering relations in the region.
Reports suggest the three-day event will encompass a wide array of activities, including a Tourism Business meeting, B2B trade meetings, people-to-people interactions, and a comprehensive exhibition featuring products from the North Eastern region, such as agri-horticultural items, food processing, and state-specific offerings. The festival will also offer a captivating program of cultural events and shows.
The inaugural session of this prestigious festival will be hosted by Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, and will serve as a convergence point for critical stakeholders from both India and Vietnam. High-profile attendees are anticipated, including Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and entrepreneurs, who will engage in discussions focused on bolstering bilateral trade and tourism.
Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organiser of the North East India Festival, emphasised the event’s primary objectives, which include showcasing North East India as an attractive destination for investments, tourism, bilateral trade, and fostering stronger relations between India and Vietnam.
The festival has a multifaceted agenda, starting with connecting people, promoting cultural exchange, and showcasing the incredible offerings of India, including its renowned tea. Trade initiatives are a pivotal focus, along with the tourism sector. Additionally, academic exchanges between scholars from both countries, policy-level discussions, and the prospect of new flight operations between Ho Chi Minh City and Guwahati are expected. Investment Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be a significant highlight as the event serves as a launching point for trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people interactions, with a particular emphasis on promoting North East India and strengthening the India-Vietnam relationship.
The North East India Festival aligns with the Act East Policy, which seeks to enhance economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region through consistent engagement at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. This policy aims to facilitate enhanced connectivity in its broadest sense.
