Nagaland to Make Historic Debut at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Highlighting Investment and Tourism Opportunities

In a historic development, Nagaland marked its official debut at the prestigious World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio delivered the keynote address, marking the first time the northeastern Indian state participated in such a high-profile global event. The Expo, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” serves as a global platform for innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.

Dr. Rio spoke on “Investment, Tourism, and Human Resource Opportunities in Nagaland,” presenting the state as an emerging hub for sustainable investment and cultural tourism. He emphasized Nagaland’s strategic geographical location in the Indo-Pacific, its young, dynamic population, and a peaceful social environment. According to the Chief Minister, these factors offer a unique first-mover advantage to investors, especially in sectors such as agribusiness, eco-tourism, creative industries, and technology. Dr. Rio reassured potential investors of a secure and transparent business environment, bolstered by robust institutional support systems and a single-window clearance mechanism that ensures ease of doing business.

Following the keynote, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), delivered a compelling presentation titled “Nagaland – The Land of Festivals: Celebrating Culture, Creating Futures.” Metha spotlighted the vibrancy of Nagaland’s youth, its rich ethnic diversity, and a forward-looking policy ecosystem. He highlighted key state initiatives such as the Nagaland Start-Up Policy, Tourism Policy 2024, and UNNATI Scheme 2024, aimed at fostering innovation and economic inclusion.

Metha further elaborated on the state’s strengths in music, arts, gaming start-ups, agriculture, and the broader creative economy. His presentation reinforced the idea that Nagaland, while deeply rooted in tradition, is fully prepared to engage with the global future.

As part of the Expo’s business-to-business (B2B) sessions, Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, met with international investors to explore partnerships. She focused on sectors like food processing, agri-tech, and start-ups. Jakhalu praised the innovative spirit of Nagaland’s youth and emphasized the state’s investor-friendly policies. She conveyed strong confidence in building long-term bilateral collaborations that could drive mutual growth and prosperity.

The Expo session drew high-level participation from Japanese government officials, Osaka Prefecture authorities, global business leaders, and international pavilion representatives. Their presence underscored the seriousness and potential of Nagaland’s investment and development agenda.

Overall, Nagaland’s participation in World Expo 2025 is being viewed as a landmark achievement. It significantly enhances the state’s visibility on the international stage and opens up new avenues for economic, cultural, and strategic engagement. The event positioned Nagaland as not just a tourist destination known for its festivals and natural beauty but also a serious player in innovation, investment, and global cooperation.

With this strong and strategic debut, Nagaland has effectively placed itself on the global map as a culturally rich, investment-ready, and forward-thinking state poised for transformation in the years ahead.