Kolkata, Sept. 29 -- Union minister Jitin Prasada on Tuesday said West Bengal is at a defining moment to realise its long-awaited industrial potential, with trade and technology emerging as the twin engines of economic growth.
Addressing the 195th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce here, Prasada said recent free trade agreements (FTAs) signed by India have opened up duty-free market access for domestic enterprises across 65 to 75 per cent of the developed world, creating significant opportunities for the state's business community.
"Trade and technology are the two engines propelling India's growth story. While the developed world brings technical expertise, India offers unprecedented scale, market size, and talent," the minister said.
Prasada, the Union minister of state for commerce, industry, electronics and IT, urged global investors to set up joint ventures and collaborate directly with Indian startups and domestic industries instead of viewing the country merely as a consumer market.
Highlighting the Centre's commitment to industrial growth in West Bengal, Prasada said the state has significant strategic advantages as a regional logistics hub, supported by port connectivity and established sectors such as steel, textiles, chemicals and manufacturing.
He said the Centre, in alignment with the state's priorities, is working towards establishing modern, plug-and-play industrial infrastructure in the state.
The minister said his ministry may also consider establishing electronics and semiconductor hubs in the state to revive its golden era.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.