Senior Diplomats Discuss Bilateral Collaboration and Investment Opportunities at Pre-Summit Session for Bengal Global Business Summit 2023

Dilip Guha, New Delhi: The government of West Bengal in association with FICCI organised an Interactive Session with Senior Diplomats involving over 40 countries as a precursor to the Magnum event of Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), 2023 on today August 22, 2023, New Delhi.

The 7th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit is scheduled on November 21-22, 2023 in Kolkata. As a prelude to the summit, the diplomats’ roundtable was organized to deliberate on the trade and investment opportunities in the State of West Bengal and further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

Diplomats from Europe, CIS, SAARC, Arab & Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, LAC, Central & East Asia and several other regions spoke on possible areas of mutual collaboration to strengthen bilateral ties.

BGBS is the flagship summit of the Government of West Bengal. The summit envisions bringing together corporate leaders, business delegations, entrepreneurs, academia, and think tanks from around the globe with the purpose of making strategic and business alliances as well as learning about the industrial ecosystem and business-friendly initiatives of the state.

Summit will have Plenary Sessions, Parallel Global Conferences, Sectoral sessions for focus sectors, Country sessions with partner countries, and B2Bs and B2Gs meetings to expand networks and meet potential partners… The 2-day Summit will be an excellent opportunity to promote closer engagement and explore the possibilities of mutual collaboration.

Dr. Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Finance Department, Government of West Bengal (holding the rank of a Cabinet Minister) delivered the keynote address and interacted with the Senior Officials from the Diplomatic Community.

From the Government of West Bengal, Ms Vandana Yadav, IAS, Chairperson & Managing Director, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation, and Principal Secretary, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal delivered the opening remarks. Mr Raju Mishra, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal made a presentation showcasing the investment opportunities in West Bengal.

Mr C Rajasekhar, IFS, OSD (States), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India addressed the session.

Mr.Subhrakant Panda, President of FICCI delivered the welcome address.

Dr Amit Mitra briefed the media persons after the interaction with delegates.

He said this overwhelming response of over 40 countries today, is an indication of Global Interest in West Bengal’s Economy, Investment Potential and Inclusive Governance.

He highlighted the significance of the summit and the factors that will drive West Bengal’s development.

Over the years, BGBS has observed a growing international presence. BGBS 2022 had 14 Partner Countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Korea, and the UK. BGBS 2022 witnessed 500 international delegates from 42 countries including Political & Business Dignitaries, Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

This year the focus sectors/ areas of the business summit identified are Manufacturing Industries, Energy, Agriculture and Allied, International Trade & Logistics, Tourism, Health, Health Infrastructure and Health Education, Knowledge Economy including IT & IT s, Education, Film Industry And Inclusive Economy.

He said, ‘The key game changing sectors are mining, gas, MSME, IT sector, cement, foundries and casting and leather. The mining sector in Bengal has been significantly boosted by coal since Bengal has world’s second largest coal reserves. Coal Bed Methane (CBM), and Shale Gas have led to the adoption of mining machinery. Gail pipelines, facilitating city gas transmission, are set to replace the previous transportation methods to reach Bengal’s residents.’