Mamata invites UK investors to Bengal: ‘Let’s create win-win situation together’

Mamata Banerjee extended the invitation while addressing an interactive session — ‘Opportunities in West Bengal’, as part of a business meet, jointly organised by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in London. She was accompanied by West Bengal chief secretary Manoj Pant, state’s industry secretary Vandana Yadav, and Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh.

“The state is a leading destination for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises. Bengal is also emerging as a significant IT hub, with places like Kharagpur IIT and Newtown driving this growth. The highest number of new investments in India has been secured here,” Mamata Banerjee said.

Speaking about Bengal’s economic and cultural ties with the UK, as well as investment opportunities, she said, “I love London and Kolkata has historical relations with London. Let’s create a win-win situation together. Come and explore new energy and opportunity in Bengal. We have a third eye which is vision and innovation. Let us be united for the cause of development.”

Mamata Banerjee also mentioned that her government believes in inclusive growth. “We believe in supporting the weaker section. We believe all are our family members and without their development the state’s development is impossible. We also never ignore students, we give them bicycle, smartphones. They are our future generation,” she said.

During the meeting Mamata Banerjee again appealed to the representatives of British Airways, to introduce direct flights between Kolkata and London.

“Straight flight stopped before we came to power in West Bengal (2011). Kolkata has a very old and historical relation with London. Those who are eager to start fly operations between Kolkata and London, we are ready to give rebate in fuel to those operators. You should start direct operations between London and Kolkata,” she said.

Earlier at a programme at the Indian Embassy, the chief minister had again urged British businessmen and Britain’s Indian Embassy to start direct Kolkata-London flights.“London is not far away from Kolkata. We need a direct flight from London. I came to London from Kolkata, spending 18 hours. It could be easier,” Banerjee told the British delegation at the Embassy on Tuesday.

She further said, “During Durga Puja, we will organise a programme in London where all types of artwork, including Dokra and other sculpture work, will be exhibited here.”

Banerjee, who left for London on March 22, is scheduled to deliver a lecture at Oxford University on March 27.She is expected to return to India between March 28 and 29. This marks her second visit to London, the first being a business engagement in November 2017.