The Hindu Business Line : Kolkata Chamber to open `NRI Cell'

The Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI) has decided to open an `NRI Cell' with a specific objective of attracting investment to West Bengal from non-resident Indians, especially from non-resident Bengalis in the US.

Announcing this here on Monday, the newly-elected President of BNCCI, Ms Shanat Ghosh, told newspersons that the cell would the targeted at NRIs in obtaining the clearances as fast as possible and thereby expedite the process of setting up new ventures in the State.

Focus on SMEs

The other important job of the proposed NRI Cell would be to collect information about marketing opportunities abroad, exclusively for the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs). Entrepreneurs in these sectors at present find it difficult to explore overseas markets.

It would also try to tie-up with local chambers of commerce to facilitate business in the US. Ms Ghosh said that the chamber would shortly appoint a coordinator in the US, while similar appointments would also be made in other countries in future.

Technology bank

Ms Ghosh, who is Vice-Chairpersons of Development Consultants Group of Companies, said that the chamber would shortly propose the Union Government to set up a technology bank, especially for SMEs.

The latest information collected by the bank might be placed on its Web site, ensuring that SMEs get free get information without any charge.

Close interaction

She highlighted the need for closer interaction between industry and the centres of excellence, of which there were quite a few in West Bengal.

Therefore, the task force on Industry-Institute Partnership at BNCCI would have to play a pro-active role, which will go beyond seminars and conferences into implementation.

Although BNCCI will continue to focus on the needs of the SMEs, it also intends to give top priority to development of infrastructure through Private-Public Partnership.

Select sectors

The chamber intended to identify the factors that were preventing further investments and holding back improved efficiencies in six selected sectors — power, communication, roads, ports, pipelines and urban water supply and sewerage.

Referring to the problem of iron ore supply from the neighbouring states, she said that this problem had to be solved immediately for the "even growth" of iron and steel industry in the country.

More Stories on : NRIs | Industry Associations | Foreign Direct Investment | West Bengal

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