12 nations turn to Bengal: ICC hosts diplomats in Kolkata to explore trade and investment opportunities

Diplomats from around the globe attended the engagement to discuss strengthening bilateral business relationships and exploring new opportunities for international collaboration.

Diplomats and Heads of Missions from Germany, Mexico, Australia, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Thailand, Cyprus, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Indonesia took part in discussions exploring bilateral trade, investment opportunities and greater institutional cooperation.

The event was also attended by Minister-in-Charge for Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Public Enterprises & Industrial Reconstruction, and Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, Government of West Bengal, Tapas Roy, and Finance Minister, Government of West Bengal, Swapan Dasgupta.

Parthiv Neotia, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director, Ambuja Neotia- Healthcare spoke on the importance of global partnerships and Eastern India’s potential.

“As we work towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, international collaborations can help Indian businesses reach new markets, strengthen manufacturing, adopt new technologies, and participate more meaningfully in global value chains. Collaborations can also create opportunities for learning, innovation, and employment alike.

"Within the larger national ambition, West Bengal plays a significant role. Located at the crossroads of eastern India, the Bay of Bengal, and South and Southeast Asia, the state is well-placed to serve as India's eastern gateway to a wider region. Its ports, transport network, industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, and proximity to neighboring markets provide a strong foundation for a deeper international engagement," Parthiv Neotia said.

While discussing the location and terrain of the Netherlands, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Marisa Louisa Gerards, spoke on how the collaboration of experts from the Netherlands and India helps in the reclamation of land from the rapidly sinking lands of the Sundarbans.

Winnie Mwanjala, Minister of Political Affairs and Head of Chancery of Kenya, reflected on the 4 billion dollars of trade that occurs between the countries each year and spoke of the increase in trade and tourism between the nations.

There was a joint consensus among all the nations over the potential of Eastern India and how trade agreements and investments in the region are non-negotiable for the growth and development of the region.

Finance Minister, Government of West Bengal, Swapan Dasgupta spoke on a renewed observation of how the relation between the nations sitting here today and India has changed from a one-way relationship of how India could be developed to a two-way transfer of how nations benefit and get benefitted from a relationship with India.

“Over the last decade, India has come a long way in transforming its economic landscape, wherein Global Partners have been trying to get a slice of the Indian market, and Indian Businesses have made significant inroads in the Global Market. 

"I am glad to state that we are working towards making West Bengal an economy that is open to all and presents opportunities that not only benefit our people but also those National and International Stakeholders who choose to collaborate with us,” said Dasgupta.

Tapas Roy, Minister-in-Charge for Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, reflected upon their focus on entrepreneurship and start-ups in the state.

“Our focus is on promoting modern industries through time-bound approvals, investment incentives, improved ease of doing business and the development of a GIS-based industrial land bank.

"We are prioritizing sectors such as engineering, steel, chemicals, semiconductors and IT, alongside traditional industries, while strengthening export-oriented commerce and startup support. Our objective is to accelerate industrial and economic growth and generate employment. I urge the industry and international business community to extend their cooperation and join us in this endeavor,” said Roy.

The event concluded with the Indian Chamber of Commerce launching its book Bengal 2.0: From Here to Eternity, a book outlining Bengal’s economic journey and a roadmap for its revival.

The diplomats, following the deliberations, experienced Bengal’s culture by enjoying the festival of Durga Puja being celebrated in the state.

(Reporting by Swastik Sarkar, Photos by PR Team)