West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has invited British businesses to explore investment opportunities in the state, emphasizing its potential as a gateway to India’s northeastern region. During a high-profile meeting in London, organized by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), she highlighted the state’s skilled workforce, technological advancements, and favorable business climate.
West Bengal has emerged as a key player in India’s economic growth, offering a unique blend of traditional industries and modern technology-driven sectors. With a strong infrastructure network, skilled workforce, and government incentives, the state is positioning itself as a lucrative investment hub. The government’s focus on ease of doing business and policy reforms further enhances its appeal to foreign investors.
“West Bengal is the gateway to the northeast. Our skills, talent, and technology make it a strong base for UK businesses,” Banerjee stated.
Encouraging Participation in the Bengal Global Business Summit
As part of her efforts to boost economic ties, Banerjee extended an invitation to the UKIBC to lead a business delegation to the Bengal Global Business Summit in Kolkata. The summit, scheduled for early next year, aims to showcase the state’s investment potential across various sectors.
“We believe in a proactive and business-friendly approach. West Bengal welcomes all investors looking for a stable and growth-oriented environment,” she added.
The Bengal Global Business Summit has been a catalyst for attracting international investments in the past, with several multinational corporations setting up operations in the state. Banerjee assured UK investors of streamlined approvals, tax benefits, and a single-window clearance system to facilitate business expansion. The summit will focus on key sectors such as IT, manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism, areas where West Bengal has demonstrated significant growth in recent years.
Support from Industry Leaders
The meeting witnessed active participation from both Indian and UK business leaders. Lord Davies, Chair of UKIBC, expressed confidence in West Bengal’s potential, particularly praising its support for startups and emerging industries.
“West Bengal’s focus on industry clusters and innovation makes it an exciting destination for investment,” he remarked.
Industry experts also highlighted Bengal’s commitment to sustainability and green energy, making it an attractive destination for environmentally conscious businesses. The state’s strong logistics network, including ports, highways, and an expanding metro system, adds to its investment appeal. UKIBC representatives acknowledged that Bengal’s initiatives in digitization and financial inclusion align with global economic trends, making it a promising location for future collaborations.
State Finance, Commerce, and Industries Minister Amit Mitra also encouraged existing investors to share their positive experiences of doing business in the region.
Business Leaders Show Interest in West Bengal
Several prominent business figures acknowledged the ease of doing business in West Bengal. Y.K. Modi, CEO of Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd0, praised the state’s supportive policies. Stephanie Farr from UK-based Diageo pointed out that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms provide a new avenue for collaboration with the state government.
Several UK firms, including those from the fintech, healthcare, and education sectors, expressed keen interest in expanding their footprint in Bengal. The state’s emphasis on skill development and vocational training ensures a steady pipeline of talent for companies looking to establish long-term operations. The introduction of smart city projects and urban infrastructure improvements has further reinforced confidence among potential investors.
The event attracted a strong delegation from India, including Harshvardhan Neotia of Ambuja Neotia Group, Tarun Jhunjhunwala of Reliance Group, and Rudra Chatterjee of Luxmi Group. UK companies such as PwC, Standard Chartered Bank, Oxford University, and British Telecom also participated.
Strengthening UK-India Economic Relations
Banerjee’s visit to the UK marks an important step in strengthening trade relations between West Bengal and Britain. With its skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, and commitment to industrial growth, the state aims to position itself as a leading investment destination for British companies looking to expand in India.
West Bengal’s trade ties with the UK date back centuries, and this renewed investment push aims to modernize and deepen economic relations between the two regions. With post-Brexit opportunities opening up, British businesses are increasingly looking towards stable and growth-oriented markets like India. Banerjee’s visit is expected to pave the way for future trade agreements, technology exchange programs, and sector-specific investments that can benefit both economies.
“We are ready to collaborate and grow together. West Bengal is open for business,” Banerjee concluded.
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