CII to organise two-day tea conclave from December 22 in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: The Confederation of Indian Industry ( CII) will organise North East Tea Conclave & Expo (NETCE–2017) on December 22 and 23 in Guwahati. There will be participants from neighbouring tea growing countries including Nepal, Bangladesh.

Bidyananda Barkakoty, Chairman, CII Northeast Tea Task Force, said the two-day event will focus on identifying the best global models and practices, strengthening market linkages and preparing strategies for a robust tea industry in terms of productivity, marketability and sustainability.

The Conclave will also discuss key policy interventions and find ways to improve quality, value addition, price realisation and innovations.

“The first edition, organised last year, was very successful with over 400 participants. Tea industry of northeast states cannot survive in isolation, this year we are inviting overseas delegates from neighbouring tea-growing countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, etc. Also, delegates from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala will take part in the convention besides delegates from Assam and other northeast states. The programme will include panel discussions, tea tasting session, buyer–seller meet and an exhibition,” said Bidyananda Barkakoty.

Ravi Agarwal, Co-Chairman of the organising committee, said a large number of tea traders, tea producers, small tea growers, tea brokers, all major packeteers and tea fraternity at large are expected to participate at the convention.

“The NETCE 2017 will seek to ensure quality production and better price realisation. Special focus will be given on specialty tea production and its marketing” said Dinesh Bihani, Convener, NETCE-2017 and Secretary of Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers Association.