2nd Edition of “Prospects for North Bengal – Investments in Sustainability”, 16th December 2022, Hotel Sinclairs, Siliguri
The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the 2nd Edition of “Prospects for North Bengal – Investments in Sustainability” on 16th December 2022 at Hotel Sinclairs, Siliguri.
The Chamber also organizes similar discussion forums on Sustainability in the Industrial Regions of Durgapur/ Asansol and Haldia annually focusing on Ecological Balance and Industrial Growth.
Shri Udayan Guha, Hon’ble Minister-in- Charge, Department of North Bengal Development, Government of West Bengal and Shri Gautam Deb, Hon’ble Mayor, Siliguri Municipal Corporation were both present in the Opening Session along with Dr. Abhijit Shevale, IAS, CEO, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority.
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Shri Gautam Deb urged the corporates to come forward with their CSR funds to help the Municipal Corporation take up more environment friendly approaches. He also suggested the business fraternity to travel in North Bengal to identify the locations, especially in the hills, suitable for green industries. |
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Shri Udayan Guha highlighted the potential of the agrarian economy of North Bengal. He assured industry on availability of land for investments and urged them to procure locally especially for food processing. |
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Dr. Abhijit Shevale, IAS said that “Land Usage Compatibility Certificate (LUCC) is being approved by SJDA on priority basis in 10 days”. It is important as it defines the usage of land so that development does not take place in haphazard manner. |
The Opening Session also had participation of and insightful addresses by Dr. Alok Roy, Former President, The Bengal Chamber and Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals; Professor Dr. Om Prakash Mishra, Vice Chancellor, North Bengal University ;Mr. Vivek Jalan, Chairperson (Fiscal Affairs & Taxation)and Co-Chairperson (Economic Affairs) Committee, The Bengal Chamber and Partner, Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP and Mr. Manjit Nayak, Director, STPI and Mr. Jayanta Chakraborty, Chairperson – Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Consultant, Indofil Industries Limited.
The Opening Session brought in diversified opportunities in North Bengal in health, education (industry -academia connect), emerging technologies, agriculture, tourism, logistics among others.
It was followed by the Business Session on ‘Prospects for North Bengal – Opportunities and way ahead’ was moderated by Mr. Jayanta Chakraborty. The Speakers were Ms. Ina Bose, Director - HR, Corporate Communications & Industry Connect, Sister Nivedita University, Techno India Group ;Ms. Laxmi Limbu Kaushal, Director, Luxmi Township and Holdings and Senior Administration Officer, Luxmi Group; Dr. Sanjib Sarkar, Facility Director, Neotia Getwel Multi-Speciality Hospital and Mr. P R Pradhan, GM (North),West Bengal Forest Development Corporation. The discussions included topics-
- Knowledge Hub Possibilities of North Bengal- KG to PG
- How North Bengal may be leveraged for further growth of State and enhancing Regional Cooperation
- Health Hub Possibilities
- Forest Management in context of North Bengal
The forum provided a platform to address the opportunities and challenges for overall industrial development of North Bengal in sync with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focused not only on conventional sectors such as Tourism, Tea and Agriculture, but the scope also be expanded to Education, Banking, Entreprenuership and others. The programme also made an attempt to indentify avenues through which North Bengal’s cross-border trade and investment can be accelerated with the neighbouring countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
There was enthusiastic participation from diverse sectors. Interactive session was very participative and focused B2B were held in the sidelines.
EVENT GALLERY