The world we once knew is changing drastically. The ongoing geopolitical tensions across different regions, especially at the Strait of Hormuz, have already created a ripple effect that is now being felt by almost every nation. Supply chains are being disrupted, global trade routes are becoming uncertain, energy prices are fluctuating, and economies are entering a period of instability and transition.
As I write this article, the President of the United States is visiting China, while the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Russia are in India. Global diplomacy is operating at an intense level, and it is clear that major geopolitical realignments are taking place behind the scenes. Whether directly or indirectly, every citizen and every business will eventually feel the effects of these developments.
In such times, we as citizens must remain cautious, practical, and economically responsible.
Recently, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to reduce dependency on petrol and diesel as much as possible. This is not just about fuel conservation it is about preparing for a future where energy security and economic resilience will matter more than ever. Wherever possible, work-from-home models and digital systems should be encouraged to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and operational costs.
At the same time, I personally believe that we as citizens should also become financially disciplined during this period. We must try to reduce excessive non-essential purchases, including luxury-driven gold buying for some time, because our national foreign reserves and economic balance are matters of collective concern. More importantly, the money within our economy must continue rotating among our own people and businesses.
This is the time to support local businesses, small entrepreneurs, farmers, transporters, and manufacturers. These are the people who form the backbone of our economy. Every rupee spent within our local ecosystem strengthens employment generation and economic circulation.
India’s strength has always been its agriculture, its people, and its resilience.
Our Hon’ble Prime Minister has also repeatedly encouraged the nation to move towards organic and sustainable farming practices. This is especially important for states like Assam, where our economy is deeply connected to agriculture, horticulture, tea, spices, forest produce, and indigenous farming communities.
However, if we genuinely want to transform Assam into a major export-oriented economy, then we must move beyond discussions and begin building strong institutional mechanisms.
Through this article, I would like to humbly request the Government of Assam to strengthen and actively operationalize a dedicated Export Promotion ecosystem for the state. While certain initiatives were formed in 2019, public awareness remains extremely limited. The need of the hour is not only policy formation but active implementation and ground-level participation.
We need a committed ecosystem consisting of:
● Government officials
● Exporters
● Logistics stakeholders
● Farmer producer organizations
● Young entrepreneurs
● Warehousing and cold-chain operators
● Trade bodies and industry representatives
Most importantly, we need to empower and upskill our farmer communities first. Without empowering the producers, export growth cannot become sustainable. Farmers should receive proper training, market linkage support, packaging assistance.Another major challenge is logistics cost. If transportation and export logistics remain expensive, the final prices become uncompetitive for international importers. Even within domestic markets, rising logistics costs affect affordability and business growth.
Therefore, policy intervention and strategic subsidies in logistics infrastructure are extremely important.
This is where both the government and private sector must work together collaboratively.
As someone actively working in the export and trade ecosystem, I strongly believe that North East India especially Assamhas immense untapped potential. Our agricultural richness, biodiversity, cultural products, organic produce, and strategic geographical location can make us an important trade gateway in the coming years.
But this can only happen if we act now.
The world order is changing rapidly. Nations are becoming more self-reliant, supply chains are being restructured, and regional trade partnerships are gaining importance. Assam and the North East must not remain mere spectators during this transformation. We must prepare ourselves economically, institutionally, and strategically.
This is not just about exports. This is about securing livelihoods, empowering local communities, strengthening economic resilience, and preparing our region for the future. And for that, all stakeholders government, businesses, farmers, and citizens must move forward together.
Writer is the founder- Quick Ghy Designated Partner- ADGA EXIM LLP and Joint Secretary- India Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Guwahati Chapter