Mamata Banerjee in a business meeting. Credit PTI
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hosted a business meeting in Dubai on Friday, promoting the state as an investment destination.
Speaking at the event titled ‘Dubai understands business, Bengal means business’, Banerjee stated that West Bengal is the only state in India where 99 percent of the population receives some form of social protection.
She invited Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, who was present at the programme, to the Bengal Global Business Summit in November.
“Dubai should be our partner for the summit. The culture of the two places are same. Bengal is the only place where you can see unity in diversity. That is the purpose of our development”, Banerjee said.
Banerjee went on to say, “I am happy to say that Bengal is the only state where we are giving social security to 99 percent of the people. From women and youths to minorities, STs, SCs, and OBCs, our government looks after all”.
West Bengal, according to Banerjee, plays an important role in India-UAE trade relations.
“Exports from West Bengal to UAE were at USD 1.49 billion in 2022-2023. Bengal exports precious metals, jewelry, iron, steel, tea, readymade garments, telecom instruments, petroleum products, and marine products, among others, to the UAE. I hope this relationship will become stronger as trade is key to our future prosperity”, Banerjee remarked.
Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “I couldn’t be prouder to announce that nearly 12 percent of West Bengal’s total goods exports find a home in the UAE”, through her official ‘X’ handle.
In order to attract investment, Banerjee stated that West Bengal has skilled workers and world-class talents.
“This is why I encourage the people to come and visit Bengal. I am inviting all industrialists, ministers, and the Dubai government to visit us and plan joint ventures”, Banerjee noted.
Earlier in the day, she met with Ashraf Ali MA, Executive Director of Lulu Group, to examine investment potential in the state.
Banerjee reached Dubai on Thursday following a trip to Spain. She plans to return to Kolkata on Saturday.
On September 12, she left for Spain in order to promote investments to the state.
