The Bengal Global Business Summit, an annual event held in Kolkata, marked a significant moment this year as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared former cricketer and ex-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, as the “Brand Ambassador of Bengal.”
Mamata Banerjee’s Vision for Bengal
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in her inaugural address at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2023, unveiled a series of ambitious policies aimed at transforming the economic landscape of the state.
- These policies include doubling the state’s exports, upgrading logistical infrastructure, and fostering the manufacturing of renewable energy.
Sourav Ganguly: The New Face of Bengal
- Expressing her rationale for choosing Sourav Ganguly as the Brand Ambassador, Banerjee stated, “Sourav Ganguly is a very popular figure, and he can work for the young generation in a very good manner.
- I want to involve him as the Brand Ambassador of Bengal.” This move not only adds a prominent personality to the state’s promotional efforts but also leverages Ganguly’s influence to connect with the younger demographic.
New Initiatives Unveiled at the Summit
- The summit witnessed the unveiling of several initiatives by Mamata Banerjee, including measures to promote biofuels and the establishment of a new sub-sea cable landing station in Digha.
- The latter is expected to enhance internet connectivity in the eastern region, opening up new opportunities for business and innovation.
A Gathering of Business Leaders
- The inauguration of the Bengal Global Business Summit 2023 brought together a distinguished group of business leaders.
- Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, Sanjeev Goenka from the energy sector, and Rishad Premji of Wipro were among the prominent figures present.
Mukesh Ambani’s Commitment to Bengal’s Growth
- Mukesh Ambani, in his address, announced an additional investment of ₹20,000 crore in West Bengal over the next three years.
- This investment is set to focus on digital solutions, the expansion of Reliance Retail, and advancements in bio-energy.
- Ambani highlighted Reliance Industries’ substantial prior investment of nearly ₹45,000 crore in the state, underscoring the company’s commitment to contributing to Bengal’s economic development.
Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji’s Positive Outlook
- Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji commended West Bengal’s favorable policy environment for the expansion of IT industries.
- His positive outlook on the state’s potential reflects the growing interest of technology companies in Bengal’s business landscape.
RPG’s Significant Investment and Positive Sentiments
- Sanjeev Goenka from RPG shared insights into his company’s substantial investment of ₹25,000 crore in West Bengal in recent years.
- He praised the state’s swift and effective decision-making process, declaring that the days of slowdowns, strikes, and unrest are now history.
- Goenka emphasized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s pro-business stance as a driving force behind the state’s economic rejuvenation.