West Bengal has immense potential to become a global player: British Deputy High Commissioner
Outlining the fact that West Bengal topped the list of MSMEs owned by woman in the country, Dr Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce and Enterprises & Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal said that inclusive economic empowerment for women has always been one of the major priorities of state government in the CII West Bengal Annual Day Meeting in Kolkata, today. The theme of the CII West Bengal Annual Day 2025 was “Maximizing Purpose, Optimizing Profit: West Bengal’s Vision for Sustainable Growth”.
In continuation with the theme, Dr Panja specially mentioned West Bengal New and Renewable Energy Manufacturing Promotion Policy and West Bengal Net Metering Policy as the state holistic approach in embracing the sustainability. Additionally, she highlighted various state initiatives such as green farming and green power plants. She also emphasized that 24/7 water supply, labour-friendly policies, and the state’s economic viability are key commitments to potential investors. She further stated that proper education, combined with technical skills, is essential for securing employment.
Speaking about the green transportation initiative taken by the state government, Dr Saumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Transport, Government of West Bengal identified that West Bengal is first in the country to introduce electric ferry and expecting an investment of Rs 200 crore in the sector. Building up infrastructure for battery swapping stations, and promoting more electric buses, has been the recent focus of the state government.
“Skilled workforce is the backbone of sustainable economy”, said Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, highlighted the potential collaboration with the state’s skilled workforce with United Kingdom, presenting empirical evidence that UK invests 2.9 per cent of its GDP in R&D. He further stated that economic growth in a region is interconnected, much like the two sides of a coin. He discussed the potential collaboration between West Bengal and the UK in the fields of education, waste management, and energy transition. He also emphasized the importance of protecting the planet and fostering innovation.
Mr Hemant Mallya, Lead – Industrial Sustainability, Council on Energy, Environment and Water, spoke about global restructuring of supply chain and talk about the importance of energy transition, circular economy and bio-economics in the modern-day world.
Mr Suvendra Kumar Behera, Chairman, CII Eastern Region & Vice Chairman, RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd applauded the Government of West Bengal for embracing the notion, Bengal means Business and added that business is for the human and human should not be harmed for the business.
Reflecting a dynamic economy, the state recorded a GSDP growth of 6.8 percent at constant prices in 2024-25. Its manufacturing sector growth outpaced the national average between April and December 2024. Additionally, the state’s debt-to-GSDP ratio saw a significant decline to 38.9 percent in 2024-25, asserted Mr Sandeep Kumar, Chairman CII West Bengal State Council & Managing Director, Tata Steel Downstream Products Limited.
“CII will develop a draft of the Net Zero Roadmap for West Bengal, working primarily in collaboration with the state’s transport department”, said Mr Debashis Dutta, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council & Director, BGS Group.
The conference was attended by the major business captains of the state. In collaboration with Consultivo, CII released a report on “ESG Readiness: A Study of CII Member Companies in West Bengal”, during the conference.
Mr Debashis Dutta, Director, BGS (B. G. Somadder & Sons. Pvt. Ltd) Group has been elected as the Chairman of CII West Bengal State Council for the year 2025-26. His name was announced at the first meeting of the reconstituted West Bengal State Council held in Kolkata on 11 March 2025.
Mr Debashis Dutta is the Director – BGS Group (B. G. Somadder & Sons. Pvt. Ltd), a customs broker, International Freight Forwarding and Logistics company which came into existence in 1920. BGS Group is the 1st Customs Broker in Kolkata to have AEO Certification. He is the President – Ripley Group (Ripley & Co. Stevedoring & Handling Pvt. Ltd.), is Customs broker, Logistics, Stevedoring & Handling company providing excellence services in areas like Mining, Barging, Trading, Floating Crane, Freight Forwarding & Dredging. He is also the former Chairman & Advisor – FFFAI (Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association in India) and the Immediate Past President – BNCCI (Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry). He is also the General Secretary – Mohun Bagan Athletic Club (National Soccer Club of India).
Mr Rupak Barua, MD & CEO, Woodlands Hospital, has been elected as the Vice Chairman of CII West Bengal State Council for the year 2025-26.
Mr Rupak Barua, with more than three decades of experience, has been the most versatile and accomplished professional in the field of healthcare services and administration in Eastern India. His core experience involved leading administrative operations and managing resources effectively in multi-specialty and super specialty hospitals, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and world-class clinicians. He is the Co-Chair of the Healthcare Sector in the Government of West Bengal. He is also the President of Association of Hospitals of Eastern India. Mr Barua is a science graduate from Calcutta University and has undergone various Management & Leadership Development Programs including Management Development Program from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and Singapore Management University.
Kolkata
11 March 2025
