Imphal's economy is primarily driven by retail, handlooms, handicrafts, agriculture, and government services.
* **Ima Keithel (Mother's Market):** The iconic economic epicenter of Imphal. It is widely considered the largest all-women market in the world, with thousands of female vendors selling textiles, fresh produce, spices, and domestic goods. * **Paona Bazar & Thangal Bazar:** The main commercial districts for electronics, clothing, cosmetics, and everyday retail. * **Handloom & Handicrafts:** A massive cottage industry, producing famous Manipuri textiles (like the Phanek and Inaphi), cane, and bamboo products. * **IT & Startups:** The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) operates a center in Mantripukhri, supporting a burgeoning community of local tech startups, digital media agencies, and IT service providers.