Shillong, August 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today inaugurated the Prime Hub Umdihar and Pineapple Processing Unit at Umdihar in Ribhoi district in presence of MLA Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh and MDC Macdaline Mawlong.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, in his address at the inauguration ceremony, emphasized the strategic importance of nurturing entrepreneurship at various levels.
“The Prime Hub is not just about promoting businesses, but about empowering diverse groups across different levels to achieve more than they have in the past. Entrepreneurship, in its true essence, transcends the boundaries of scale, starting even from the smallest individual ventures like neighborhood shops,” stated Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
He underlined the pivotal role of integrated village cooperative societies (IVCS) in cultivating entrepreneurship and supporting local enterprises. “IVCS plays a vital role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within our communities.
The Prime Hub will provide a platform and resources, including training, financial support, and marketing guidance, to amplify the impact of these initiatives,” Chief Minister remarked.
Highlighting the Chief Minister’s E-Championship Challenge program, the Chief Minister shared, “Our business plan competition has emerged as a platform, fostering innovation and creativity among thousands of entrepreneurs. The top 100 participants not only receive substantial cash awards but also gain access to substantial loans, enabling them to bring their business concepts to fruition.”
He further elaborated on the collaboration with institutions like IIM Kolkata, stating, “Our partnership with institutions like IIM Kolkata ensures that entrepreneurs are equipped with essential skills, from crafting comprehensive business strategies to navigating the complexities of accessing financial support.”
Speaking of Umdihar’s strategic location, he said, “Umdihar’s proximity to markets, connectivity through nearby railway station and being gateway to the rest of the country from the State would act as an economic powerhouse waiting to be unlocked.”
He also informed that in addition to specialized training, the Government envision a logistics hub to address the storage challenges faced by local enterprises. “This will facilitate streamlined distribution and further enhance economic growth in the region”, he added.
He also reinforced Government’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, propelling economic growth, and ushering in a new era of sustainable development.
He also informed on the bigger goal of taking Meghalaya on an upward trajectory towards realizing its ambitious $10 billion economy.
He further informed that on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, he will make announcement on slew of interventions being taken by the Government that promise to shape the state’s economic landscape for years to come.