Corporate Leaders Commend Bengal's Business Climate and Proactive Government Approach at Conclave

Industry leaders praised the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, for fostering a positive business environment. During a recent conclave, several companies revealed plans for expansion and new investments. The event, a smaller version of the Bengal Global Business Summit, was held ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Banerjee advocated for more freedom for industries and workers, addressing issues like GST and criticising central agencies for creating fear.

Banerjee claimed that central agencies' actions have discouraged entrepreneurs from investing. She argued that growth and job creation need an atmosphere free from intimidation. The chief minister also countered opposition claims about a declining business climate, stating that some forces aim to tarnish West Bengal's image by focusing on isolated incidents.

Investment Plans and Industry Support

Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of RPSG Group, credited Banerjee's leadership for encouraging rapid investments. The group has invested Rs 26,500 crore in the state during her tenure. A major project involves a 5,000 megawatt-hour energy storage facility with a Rs 12,000 crore investment. Banerjee promised to allocate 350 acres of land soon for this project.

JSW Energy, part of Sajjan Jindal Group, announced plans to double its Salboni thermal power project's capacity to 3,200 MW. Joint Managing Director and CEO Sharad Mahendra stated their total investment in West Bengal would increase to Rs 40,000 crore from Rs 16,000 crore. Port-related investments were not included in their announcement.

Sector-Specific Developments

Harshvardhan Neotia of Ambuja Neotia Group shared that they have invested Rs 10,000 crore in West Bengal over 14 years. They are implementing Rs 15,000 crore worth of projects in healthcare, hospitality, and real estate. Siddharth Birla from Xpro India announced an expansion at their Barjora plant for dielectric films as import substitutes.

ITC Ltd Chairman Sanjiv Puri highlighted their growing presence in West Bengal across hotels, FMCG, and technology sectors. ITC has invested around USD 1 billion in the state over the past decade and collaborates with nearly three lakh farmers. "Capital flows to regions where it can flourish and multiply. Bengal is now future-ready," Puri said.

Tourism and Technological Advancements

Puri also announced ITC's plans to open three new hotels in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and the Sundarbans. Additionally, five more properties will be developed through partners, including a super-luxury hotel under a new brand in Siliguri. Last year, ITC inaugurated an AI centre in collaboration with Google to boost digital innovation in the state.

The JK Organisation Group mentioned its food processing units in West Bengal and plans to expand by acquiring a paper unit. The chief minister unveiled several government-led initiatives at the conclave. These include World Bank-assisted projects, Cinema Policy 2025, a 660-MW Sagardighi supercritical power project Unit 5, industrial parks, and 14 common facility centres across districts.

The conclave highlighted West Bengal's achievements over the past 14 years as evidence against negative claims about its business environment. Emphasising peace and unity as crucial for development, Banerjee reiterated her commitment to creating an investor-friendly climate while addressing challenges faced by small and medium enterprises.

With inputs from PTI