Kolkata/London, Mar 26 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to British businesses to invest in the state in areas such as automation, engineering, and artificial intelligence.
Looking at the historical tie-up of the UK with India, particularly Bengal, she pointed out on Tuesday that Calcutta, formerly known as Kolkata, was the capital of British India until 1911. She pointed out that the city still features elegant architecture of that period in its old buildings.
In an interactive session named 'Opportunities in West Bengal' in London, posted on her Facebook page, Banerjee said that British industries would be able to help the state in sectors such as green technologies, smart infrastructure, and clean energy.
"We welcome greater partnership in areas such as automation, engineering, and green manufacturing, and artificial intelligence," she added.
"Let's work together for a fruitful collaboration," the chief minister urged, urging British companies to set up shop in West Bengal.
"We share a strong cultural, historical, and economic heritage that dates back decades," she continued.
Banerjee noted that a number of British companies have also invested in West Bengal recently.
She promoted a pro-business climate by developing industrial and economic zones, improving transportation and supply chains, encouraging exports, and backing new energy sources and data storage facilities.
Highlighting the empowerment of women in the state, Banerjee said that a large number of women entrepreneurs in West Bengal and 39 percent of her party, the Trinamool Congress, being represented by women in Parliament.
She underscored that sustainable development can translate to inclusive growth, saying, "That's why Bengal is moving forward."
Banerjee encouraged UK airlines to consider re-establishing a direct flight between Kolkata and London, pointing out that British Airways used to offer this route.
The chief minister explained that a flight from Kolkata to London typically lasts 18 hours, but the direct flight would last eight hours. She added that everyone, from students, businesspersons, and professionals, is eagerly waiting for the opportunity of direct flights.
She vowed to give the airlines a warm welcome in case they launch the direct flights from Kolkata to London.
The state's finance is also very strong, according to the chief minister. She mentioned that the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of West Bengal grew 6.80 percent in the fiscal year 2024-25, whereas the overall GDP of India expanded by 6.37 percent.
She emphasized that when the Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to power in 2011, 57.60 percent of the people of West Bengal were living under the poverty line, but it has now reduced to a mere 8.60 percent.
In her view, the Bengal Global Business Summits she has conducted as the government saw investment proposals worth more than Rs 19 lakh crore coming in over the years. She further stated that Rs 13 lakh crore of proposals have already been implemented out of that, and the rest are ongoing.
She further added that the summit this year collected investment proposals worth more than Rs 4 lakh crore.
The chief minister pointed out that individuals from many states cohabit in West Bengal without any clashes, asserting, "Unity in diversity is our unique selling point."
© Copyright 2020, All Rights Reserved
Powered by Basharat Hosein
