Mizoram is all set to host the second of the four B20 sessions scheduled in the North East on Wednesday, which is the official G20 dialogue forum for the global business community. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the state government to host delegates from different countries, the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry stated.

The first of the four B20 (Business 20) sessions was held in Imphal, Manipur from February 17-19 with over 100 delegates from 23 countries participating in the event.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga along with MoS External Affairs Minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh andMoS Commerce and Industries Minister Som Parkash, in the presence of senior government officials from the state and Centre will grace the inaugural programme of the B20 sessions.

Addressing the media about the event at Chief Minister’s Office Aizawl, Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Tuesday stated that it is a matter of great pride and privilege for Mizoram to have the opportunity to host the B20 initiative which is the official G20 dialogue forum for the global business community from March 1-3, 2023.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga further said during the press briefing that taking advantage of the presence of a large contingent of international delegates, the state government is making elaborate arrangements not only to showcase investment and partnership opportunities in the state but also provide a unique experience for visiting delegates with an exposure to the state’s culture, cuisine, art, festivities, and scenic beauty.

The B20 meeting in Mizoram will help commence discussions on the identified priorities and will begin work towards formulating policy recommendations, Chief Minister Zoramthanga said adding it would help the state to project it as an important investment destination by showcasing its strength besides giving the delegates a sneak peek into our culture, heritage, festivals and the tourism potential.

Aizawl will witness the convergence of a host of overseas delegates from 17 nations representing Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), China, France, Germany, Ghana, Japan, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, United States and Zimbabwe in addition to the Indian and local business participants. Visiting dignitaries, including 48 overseas business delegates and 17 diplomats, Trade and Business delegations and representatives from Bhutan, Bangladesh and Japan will participate at the event.

The second day of the B20 conference will focus on Opportunities for Multilateral Business Partnerships in Urban planning, Infrastructure, Bamboo, Startups, Skill Development, Handloom and Handicraft, Nursing and Paramedics.

As part of the programme, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is facilitating Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) meetings. Visiting Overseas Business Delegates would get the opportunity to interact with the local industry during the B2B and with the Government in the B2G session for potential investment, collaboration and tie-ups. Over 100 B2B and B2G requests have been generated including request for interaction with Government Departments viz-a-viz Health, Urban Development, Commerce and Industries, Tourism, Sports and Labour employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. CII is inviting speakers from all over India to deliberate on the focus sectors at the Conference.

The delegates will also participate in the Chapchar-Kut festival which is the main festival of Mizoram at the Assam Rifles Ground on the third day. Elaborate preparations have been made for their participation, stay and hospitality showcasing the potential of the state for inviting investments during the B20 Meeting, the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry added.

The third B20 conference one will be held in Sikkim's capital Gangtok from March 15 to 17, while the fourth conference will be in Kohima in Nagaland from April 4 to 6.