In an effort to give a boost to West Bengal’ economy, the state Finance Department is likely to make some major announcements concerning the trade and industry sector by 15 August.
State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said, “An SEZ needs to be developed. We do not have a law for the Global Capability Center (GCC), and that needs to be done. With that, the SEZ would come into being. Many people do this kind of offshore business, but there was no such facility for them. We would have to see that. By 15 August, we would be able to present many things and might also try to incorporate these factors into the industrial policy.”
Dasgupta indicated that the government is emphasising on improved infrastructure that could create a conducive environment for the business community to make investments.
“Singur is a blot for us in terms of commerce and industry. We need to improve that and give it a new form,” said the minister. “We need to have proactive policies for inviting industries in high and deep tech, like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Data centres are also important. We need to aggressively attract these industries, as they do have a multiplier effect,” he said.
Dasgupta was speaking on the sidelines of a session on Friday on ‘Improved Prospects of Bengal’s Economy’, organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Elaborating on whether the state government is providing subsidies to businesses while drafting the new industrial reforms, the minister pointed out, “According to me, if the infrastructure is improved, businessmen would be ready to invest. Subsidies are not that important. They are required by only one or two industries. Our priority would be to provide an improved environment and infrastructure.”