The objectives of the CeNEST would be:

1. To serve as an expert trade facilitation point for the NE states in policy making, strategic planning and effective implementation of various developmental schemes for the sectors;

2. To undertake research and analysis on developmental issues related to International trade and business of various NE states as identified jointly or separately by the NEC, IIFT and the states individually or collectively;

3. To network with other institutions of excellence within the NE States in various subject areas relevant to the development of NE and to establish an
institutional network for collaborative research, analysis and consultancy, etc. so as to provide the best knowledge back up for international trade in the NE States;

4. To serve as a documentation, collation and dissemination point for the best practices in various fields of International Business from around the world for the benefit of the development of the NE States;

5. To serve as an incubator to engender innovations and improvements in Exports, which can have a direct a positive impact on the lives of people of NE States.