West Bengal seeks investments from US

The Dollar Business Bureau

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday sought American investment in the state during her meeting with a senior US government official.

The USA's under secretary for political affairs Thomas A Shannon was on a visit to West Bengal to explore investment opportunities in the state.

"We discussed a lot of topics like investment, technology, culture, social media," Banerjee said after her meeting with Shannon at her office.

Banerjee said the under secretary has invited her to the US. She, in turn, invited the American President to visit West Bengal.

"A lot of students from here study there. We have very good relation with them," the Chief Minister said.

Shannon thanked her for the meeting, saying he is impressed with her hospitality.

"India has good relation with America. Our relation with Kolkata is also very old. This will increase in the days to come. This conversation will continue," he remarked.

Their meeting focused on improving facilitation of investment in West Bengal, which is at the centre of increasing geo-political importance in the Central government’s Act East Policy.

The Chief Minister has been of late focusing on improving potential, including trade and tourism sectors, with its neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.