During 5 – 9 September 2022, the Royal Thai Embassy, in partnership with Asian Confluence, organized the first ever “Emerging and Young Entrepreneur of the Northeast India Program” by bringing 6 Young Entrepreneurs from different sectors and states from all over Northeast of India to Thailand, co-selected by the Embassy and Asian Confluence to represent differing aspects of the Northeast’s sustainable food and agro-processing industries. The program aims to create network of Young Entrepreneurs between Thailand and India which will in turn enable the business environment conducive to exchange of ideas and business connections, ultimately resulting in new business collaborations and investment between the two sides.

The program, conducted in Thailand, lasted for 5 days. The delegation has had opportunities for site visit to leading food-processing and value-added industries in Bangkok and adjacent vicinity and to network with leading Young Entrepreneur network from across Thailand. These site visits have brought them not only to Bangkok but also the nearby provinces of Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, and even the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. From coconut grower and manufacturer of coconut products to technologically controlled vertical farming, from Royal Development Project aimed at uplifting local communities through development of home-grown products to cosmetics and medicines derived from local herbs, and from taking-stock of the success of Thailand’s largest coffeehouse worldwide, cafe Amazon, the delegation have learned a great deal of Thailand’s industrial prowess, and looked forward to make these products available in Northeast of India and to learn from the know-how of the Thais. During the tour, the delegation also had the opportunity to exchange business ideas and opinions with leading Young Entrepreneurs in Thailand from the Board of Trade of Thailand as well as the Yen-D group, one of the leading and largest networks of Young Entrepreneurs in the country. Through these sessions, the Indian Young Entrepreneurs would not only learn that the Thais are skillful and professional, but their welcoming, receptive of their guests, and heart-warming characters would also make them great business partners should they wish to import Thai products or conclude franchising agreements in the future.

In all, the delegation praised Thailand for her abundance in products, technologies, innovation, and amiability of her people, and assure that they will return to Northeastern India with aim to explore opportunities to make Thailand a part of Northeast India’s development journey.