NEDFi sets up permanent marketplace for entrepreneurs

GUWAHATI: Financial institution, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) has set up permanent marketplace for entrepreneurs of the Northeast India.

In view of the marketing challenges faced by the entrepreneurs of Northeast India, further aggravated due to the present pandemic situation, NEDFi Haat Showroom located at Rupnagar, Guwahati will now be launched on a marketplace model.

The facility will be of help especially for those entrepreneurs who are located away from Guwahati. The product categories will include handloom and handicraft products, non-perishable food products as well as MSME products. Selection of the products will be done on the basis of product quality, shelf life, space requirement, market demand, etc.

Apart from existing entrepreneurs, the SHGs and Co-operatives belonging to NER will be able to avail this facility. The initiative will help in creation of new entrepreneurs too, especially to those women groups / individuals who are producing various products at home and are looking for an opportunity to showcase their products in a proper marketing platform.

NEDFi stated, “The products will be displayed on a permanent mode and hence unlike an exhibition, the participants need not have to spend on stall rent, travel and accommodation. In case an entrepreneur wants to participate in other events he / she will have the liberty to take back the products. Payment will be remitted to the bank account of the respective entrepreneurs immediately on sale of the products”.

Based on suitability and demand, the products will also be displayed in other showrooms of NEDFi located at NEDFi House, Dispur and India Exposition Mart Ltd, Greater Noida.

BP Muktieh, CMD, NEDFi mentioned that marketing has been the biggest challenge for the entrepreneurs of region and this initiative will be of great help to those entrepreneurs who have been adversely affected by the present pandemic situation.

“In addition to craft products, which the organization had been promoting in past, the proposed initiative, will add products from other cottage and village industries as well as that of MSME sector, including food processing items.”