Bengal eyes industrial revival, seeks stronger industry-government partnership: Minister

Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Roy outlined a series of measures proposed by the state government, including a modern industrial promotion policy with clear incentives, time-bound approvals and investor hand-holding, besides a GIS-based industrial land bank and plans to bring unused industrial land back into productive use.

“We are not employers and you are not employees. You are partners in the growth of West Bengal,” Roy told industrialists and entrepreneurs attending the session.

Roy also expressed concern over the departure of 6,688 businesses from West Bengal in recent years, attributing the exits to difficulties in the state's business environment. He specifically referred to major corporate groups, including Tata and Birla, while underlining the government's intent to improve investor confidence.

He said the government is working to strengthen the state's single-window clearance system with greater accountability and service delivery, while focusing industrial development on sectors including large and heavy engineering, steel and chemicals.

The minister also highlighted proposed infrastructure and investment opportunities, including airport development at Kalyani, greater use of export opportunities arising from recently signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and expansion of commerce with overseas markets, including the UK.

Roy urged industry leaders to invest in West Bengal and assured them of government support.

“I urge all of you and your good offices, please come and invest over here in West Bengal. The government, our honourable Chief Minister and my department will be at your service,” he said.

He added that the state government was committed to creating an industry-friendly environment and providing necessary cooperation to investors.

ICC Senior Vice President Parthiv Neotia said the new industrial policy should be built around three principles — “liberty”, “opportunity” and “continuity”.

According to Neotia, liberty should help unleash Bengal's entrepreneurial spirit, opportunity should enable the private sector to facilitate greater investment, while continuity would ensure stability and predictability in government policy.

ICC Director General Dr Rajeev Singh and ICC President Brij Bhushan Agarwal also addressed the session, highlighting the state's industrial strengths and the need for closer cooperation between the public and private sectors.

“West Bengal has many strengths, including strategic location, strong industry base, skilled workforce, and diversified economy. By improving the ease of doing business, developing infrastructure, strengthening logistics, and creating a better investment environment, we can achieve even greater economic growth,” Agarwal said.

Industrialists and entrepreneurs participating in the interaction welcomed the government's willingness to engage with the business community and offered suggestions for the proposed industrial policy.

Among the issues raised were policies relating to acquisition of private land, conversion of unusable "barga" land, conversion of sale agreements after industries are established, better utilisation of land for seafood and agriculture-related activities, and greater attention to the northeastern region.

“You are ready to listen to us, and that's the first step,” participants told the minister during the interaction.

Roy has also accepted the role of Mentor of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, a move expected to strengthen the Chamber's engagement with the West Bengal government on industrial development, investment and policy matters.

The session was attended by industrialists, entrepreneurs and ICC office-bearers, including Dr Rajeev Singh, Parthiv Neotia and Brij Bhushan Agarwal.

(Reporting by Swastik Sarkar)