Speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural function of the 2nd Shillong Woolen Expo 2012 Lanong said that the Ministry will incorporate sheep and angora rabbit and other wool producing animal rearing, technical expertise, training and setting up of a infrastructure for wool exhibition cum sale and information.
He congratulated the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) who have been spearheading a series of programs to promote Northeast India not only as a favourite tourist destination but also as an ideal investment destination for relentlessly co-coordinating with all the concerned department to make it happen.
Lanong said, "Meghalaya has a great potential in this regard like other North Eastern States and we deserve to have wool industry or bank in different states of the region."
He added that Meghalaya shall proudly associate with ICC in all respects to work jointly towards livelihood generations and industrial promotions as such.
Observing that most of the cattle reared in the state were used for meat consumption, Lanong said it was time for diversification of animal farming into woollen and garment industry, even as he noted that sheep rearing was rare in the state which will now find prominence in the state with the process of setting up of a wool bank is in its penultimate stage.
He informed the august gathering that he himself along with the ICC have been in constant touch with official and ministry concerned for the same.
Advisor ICC-NER Nakib Ahmed said, “Setting up of the wool bank is ideal as the demand of woollen products is vast due to the fact that Northeastern part of India is comprised mainly of hilly States and where the duration of winter is longer than other parts of the country."
Ahmed emphasized on ICC’s effort and Dy. CM’s Lanong’s interest in the project which according to him shall come up by this winter.
Several Govt officials and other dignitaries from various sectors and business houses were present at the event.
Woolen weavers cum small scale traders from across the North east and eastern region of the country including the local weavers participated in the woolen expo.
The Meghalaya Times and Eastern Panorama have associated as Media Partner with the ICC and CWDB in organizing the Expo.