Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday made a strong pitch to woo Thai tourists and investors, even announcing the setting up of a Naga emporium in Bangkok.

He wants to engage with Thailand on a continuous basis to boost people-to-people contact and economic ties between India’s Northeast and Southeast Asian nations.Rio made the announcement at the inaugural function of the ongoing second edition of the North East India Festival in Bangkok to mark India’s 75 years of independence and diplomatic relationship with Thailand.

All the eight northeastern states are participating in the festival showcasing the cultural similarities between India and Thailand and the cultural diversities of the Northeast in which large delegates of industrialists, tour operators and cultural troupes from Thailand and the northeast are participating.

All participating states have set up pavilions showcasing their industrial and tourism potential.Rio hoped the festival would help in further connecting the two regions with age-old social and cultural relations, shared history and ethnicity.

He said: “We want to engage with Thailand on a continuous basis. I am here with an objective to strengthen ties, build partnerships and create trust. We want to initiate a Naga Emporium in Bangkok which will also be a facilitation centre to undertake investments in Nagaland including creation of avenues to visit Nagaland as a tourist destination.”“We look forward to the support and partnership from the Royal Thai Government in realising this aspiration in close collaboration with the Indian Embassy here,” the chief minister said.