MCCI pushes unified business front across Mokokchung district

Mokokchung, 11^th September 2026 (Nokinketer News): The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has stepped up efforts to bring business organisations across the district under a common platform, with the chamber asserting that a united business community is essential to protect local interests and unlock the commercial potential of towns beyond Mokokchung.

An 11-member MCCI delegation led by president Tsükti Longkumer visited Changtongya and Tuli on September 11 for coordination meetings with the Business Union Changtongya Town (BUCT) and Business Association Tuli (BAT).

The MCCI delegation said the chamber should not be viewed as an organisation confined to Mokokchung town but as a platform representing the wider business community of the district, including Changtongya, Tuli and Mangkolemba.

The meetings assumed significance amid growing concerns over market competition, outside vendors and the need to strengthen local trade networks. The participants discussed common challenges faced by traders and explored ways to develop Mokokchung district as a major commercial centre serving neighbouring districts, particularly those in Eastern Nagaland.

MCCI executive member Tsukjemwati Kichu highlighted the commercial potential of Changtongya, Tuli, Mangkolemba and the Tzürangkong area. He questioned whether Changtongya could develop into a major market catering to neighbouring areas such as Longleng and Tamlu.

MCCI president Tsukti Longkumer urged local traders to become more proactive in attracting customers, identifying new business opportunities and expanding their markets. Referring to Tuli’s strategic geographical location, he questioned why the town had not developed into a stronger commercial centre despite its potential.

A major concern raised during the meetings was the increasing presence of sellers from outside the state in rural markets and weekly bazaars. The MCCI said vendors arriving in trucks and other vehicles to sell goods directly in local areas posed a challenge to established local businesses.

The chamber pointed out that local traders were required to meet various statutory obligations, including business registration and GST compliance, while questioning whether outside sellers operating through temporary or informal arrangements were subject to similar requirements.

The MCCI also cautioned that when goods are brought into the district and sold without corresponding local business activity, the economic benefits may not remain within the local economy.

BUCT representatives said they had initially understood the MCCI as an organisation primarily representing businesses in Mokokchung town. However, they acknowledged that they had generally followed MCCI decisions concerning market-related matters and expressed support for closer coordination among business organisations.

The BUCT representatives suggested that the MCCI formulate common guidelines to clearly define the roles of different business bodies and facilitate better coordination across the district.

The participants further stressed that the business community should function as one collective body without discrimination based on race, creed or religion.

Longkumer also floated a broader vision for Mokokchung district, asking whether it could become “a shoulder to lean on” for neighbouring districts in terms of trade, markets and commercial services.

The MCCI said its building in Mokokchung, constructed on land acquired by the chamber, was intended to serve the wider business community and not merely traders in Mokokchung town.

BUCT, BAT and the Mangkolemba business body had earlier expressed interest in affiliating with the MCCI. However, formal modalities and guidelines for affiliation are yet to be worked out. Further discussions are expected, while the MCCI is also scheduled to visit Mangkolemba.

Meanwhile, the MCCI donated ₹1 lakh towards relief for flood-affected people in Tuli and surrounding areas. The assistance was handed over through Imsenperong Wati, NCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tuli Sub-Division.

👉 Follow www.nokinketer.in & the Nokinketer Page (Facebook & Instagram) for the latest news, breaking stories, articles, and reliable information updates. For press releases, notifications, articles, advertisements, etc., please WhatsApp 7005638013 or email 📧 us at nokinketer2010@gmail.com & sashimerenjamir@gmail.com.