The Hindu Business Line : Italy-Bengal industry partnerships in the offing?

AN industry delegation to Italy led by the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, has returned after signing six MoUs, which pave the way for future tie-ups among private sector companies in the two countries.

Briefing reporters at the State secretariat on Monday, a day after his return, Mr Bhattacharjee said that new opportunities have opened up in the handloom and the power sector besides the areas in which MoUs have been signed.

These MoUs pertain to the leather and food-processing sectors, which were identified as thrust areas that would be pursued by the Chief Minister on his capital hunt mission.

Consequent to the agreements on food processing, two exploratory pacts were also signed for manufacture of metal sheets and refrigerated vans needed for carting fruits and vegetable for processing.

Two pacts were also signed in the leather sector. The Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Mr S. Kumar, was also part of the nine-member industry delegation, which included the Chairman of ITC, Mr Y.C. Deveshwar, the Chairman of RPG Group Enterprises, Mr R.P. Goenka, and Mr Sanjay Budhia, the CII eastern region chairman.

Mr Bhattacharjee said that while Mr Deveshwar held talks on ventures in the handloom sector, possibilities of cooperation in fashion technology has also been created.

The Italian industry was keen to know about the status of the power sector in the State and, according to Mr Goenka, "they have made a good offer," the Chief Minister said.

He said that the State Government might purchase the patented Italian coal ash control technology. The Government is also keen to export State handloom products for which Mr Bhattacharjee felt that there was good demand in Italy.

"I have asked the Indian Ambassador to Italy, Mr H. Som, to look for an agent who could channel the products of our six lakh weavers. The State Government will buy these products and send them for exports," he said.

To a question on Gucci's response, the Chief Minister said that they use very advanced technology for manufacture of leather goods and would send a team in July to assess the State's investment scenario. He claimed that no questions were raised by the Italian industry on the State's work culture.

He admitted to being disappointed at the lack of much enthusiasm among the Italians in two segments - gems and jewellery and automobiles.

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