November 7, 2012
Kolkata — Industry lobby FICCI said the attitude of the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, which has drawn flak for its handling of the Haldia port problem, towards industry is "very positive".
Emerging from a 45-minute meeting with the chief minister at the state secretariat, FICCI president R.V. Kanoria termed the talks as "excellent".
November 7, 2012
Kolkata — Industry lobby FICCI said the attitude of the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, which has drawn flak for its handling of the Haldia port problem, towards industry is "very positive".
Emerging from a 45-minute meeting with the chief minister at the state secretariat, FICCI president R.V. Kanoria termed the talks as "excellent".
Asked to comment on the overall industrial scenario in West Bengal, Kanoria replied: "Attitude of the state government (towards industry) is very positive. It has clearly stated that it will not support any shutdown in the state, which is a positive thing."
On the contentious issue of land acquisition in the state, Kanoria said: "The chief minister told us that a new land acquisition policy is on the anvil and following that there will be a solution to the land acquisition problem in Bengal".
He, however, pointed out that land acquisition was a sensitive issue throughout the country.
Kanoria refused to comment on the recent development at Haldia, which saw a port equipment operator, Haldia Bulk Terminals Private Limited, recently quitting the state alleging "poor law and order" and "lack of safety and security" of its employees.
Kanoria said the thorny issue of the Foreign Direct Investment in multi-brand retain was not on the agenda of the discussion.
During the meeting, the industry lobby urged Banerjee to constitute a new textile policy for the state as the sector is employment-friendly.
FICCI president-elect Naina Lal Kidwai, who was also a part of the delegation, said infrastructure needed to be addressed for developing the state's tourism sector.
"Small airports, hotels and road connectivity are required for the steady growth of the tourism sector in Bengal," she said.
Courtesy: IANS
