Several countries ready with money and projects: Mitra

Kolkata: Much to the delight of the Mamata Banerjee government, foreign investment proposals have flooded the two-day Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS). China, Poland, Japan, Germany are some of the countries that have proposed investment, signed MoUs and have also evinced interest to work in partnership with the state government in various projects.

Talking to reporters after the BGBS, finance and industries minister Amit Mitra said that China-based TEB technology committed investments of Rs 27,200 crore in the next 5 years for an elevated mass rapid transit system in Kolkata.

“Auto Haus, China will invest Rs 1,334 crore for an e- rickshaw manufacturing unit. Korea’s Handong University signed an MoU with the state-run West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) for setting up an intelligent and green city,” he said.

According to him, Norway showed interest in maritime and fisheries sector, Italy expressed their keenness for setting up a manufacturing plant of leather machinery, China was keen to invest in infrastructure and manufacturing while delegates from Japan were keen on participating in drinking water and mono rail project.

“Japan will speed up the process of Howrah-Yokohama partnership. Germany’s textile major Orlinkon Barmag said they are looking for funds. Once they get it, they will set up a textile machinery plant in the state,” Mr Mitra added.

As per estimates, of the total investment proposal of Rs 2,35,290 crore, the manufacturing and infrastructure sector recorded the maximum Rs 61,765.70 crore. Urban development had proposals of Rs 46,600 crore, MSME Rs 50,710 crore, transport Rs 38,801 crore, IT, ITES & Telecom Rs 18,540.70 crore, Power Rs 3,600 crore and Mining Rs 1,580 crore.

Dr Frank-Jürgen Richter, chairman, Horasis Global Vision Committee, and former Director, World Economic Forum, announced that the first Horasis Asia meeting in India will be held in Kolkata during November 26-27, 2017. The CM welcomed Mr Richter for holding the meeting in a post on her Facebook page. “The meeting will witness participation of over 400 top global business leaders from 75 countries. My sincere thanks to him and his team,” she wrote.

The next  Bengal Global Business Summit will be held on January 16-17, 2018.