Centre will stand by West Bengal: Jaitley

“The Central government will stand by West Bengal government. India should remain a strong federation of states despite all political differences…The state has made a very strong and legitimate plea to the industry captains to come and invest. I believe industries should come to Bengal. If collectively all states grow India will grow,” Jaitley said.

The Union minister said that Bengal has several strengths like its strategic positions, its intellectual capital and rich mineral resources.

“But unfortunately many big industries have shifted out from here. Our biggest challenge is to establish them once again,” he said.

Jaitley said that all states of India have now realized the importance for creating an investment friendly climate in their respective regions.

“Madam Chief Minister you have a mandate to rule the state as we have it to rule at the Centre. You have to deliver the promises you made. We are in an era of cooperative federalism. And we are also I an era of competitive federalism,” he said, pointing out that there should be a better empowerment of states.

Jaitley said that like Prime Minister Narendra Modi had once said he also believed that eastern India should grow faster than the country’s western parts.

The two-day investment extravaganza, ‘Bengal Global Business Summit 2015’, began here with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and other host of industrialists attending the session.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is also slated to attend the business meet on Wednesday afternoon.

Sources said the flagship summit was attended by 500-strong delegation from India and aboard. Delegations from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, the US and Australia came to participate in the meet.

The Mamata Banerjee-led state government is using the ‘Bengal Global Business Summit’ platform to showcase Bengal as a thriving investment destination for industry captains coming from different corners.

The event is expected to prepare an industrial blueprint that will explore new possibilities of creating a resurgent Bengal.

Addressing the summit, Banerjee welcomed all the members of the business fraternity.

“Bengal is your baby, not mine. You all should say that it is your sweet home. Bengal is your sweet home and you all should consider it as your motherland,” she said while opening the event.

The CM said that Bengal has good man power, surplus power, a well-designed land bank and land policy, adequate infrastructure, employment bank to facilitate industries.

“Bengal is the gateway to the South East Asia. We have created infrastructure. There is no problem with land. We have a ready land bank with us. Synergy and single-window system is also there in place. Bengal is the destination for industries. Whatever you need here from our side, tell us we will give you that,” Banerjee said.

She said that political differences should never block the road of development.

“We will be delighted to listen to Union finance minister Arun Jaitley ji’s advice. Bengal should shine. Ours is a vast country and we are one. If Bengal shines, India will also shine,” Banerjee added.