The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Wednesday lauded the “positive attitude” of the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government towards industry.

FICCI members, following an hour-long meeting with the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat, said the discussions were “excellent”. FICCI members were in the city to attend the body’s national executive committee meeting.

According to Rajya Vardhan Kanoria, President, FICCI, discussions with Banerjee took place on issues relating to tourism, textiles and investment in logistics.

Asked to comment on the overall industrial scenario in Bengal, Kanoria replied: “The attitude of the State Government (towards industry) is very positive. It has clearly stated that it will not support any shutdown or ‘bandh’ in the State, which is a positive thing.”

Contentious Issues

Steering clear of controversial issues, the FICCI President did not comment on Haldia Bulk Terminals’ pulling out from the Haldia dock and said that he was not aware of the facts.

Land acquisition, he said, was a problem not restricted to West Bengal only.

“The Chief Minister told us that a new land policy is on the anvil and following that there might be a solution to the land acquisition problem in Bengal. We will be able to comment only after the policy has been formally introduced,” Kanoria said.

New Policies

Although FICCI has been in favour of opening up the retail sector, the matter did not come up for discussion with Banerjee, who is known for her opposition to FDI in retail. FICCI has also suggested that Banerjee come out with a comprehensive textile policy that will help the State generate employment. It will also enable Bengal to compete with other States such as Gujarat and Maharashtra on issues of textile export.

The State, he said, has also been urged to participate in national tourism fairs to project itself as an attractive destination.

FICCI, Kanoria said, has also invited the Chief Minister to attend a meeting at Delhi later this month where she can pitch for investment in Bengal.

>abhishek.l@thehindu.co.in

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