Bengal finance minister holds 'productive' talks with BMW

A business delegation led by West Bengal Finance and Industries Minister Amit Mitra on Monday held a high-level meeting with German auto giant BMW here and exuded confidence of developing "a sustainable relationship" with the company.

"Today we had a very productive meeting with high level representatives of the BMW. The meeting lasted for three hours in which both parties shared information. It was a very productive meeting and we hope to carry forward this fruitful discussion," Mitra told the media here after the meeting.

Mitra's team, which is part of the delegation led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee scouting for investments that arrived here on Monday, also comprised Trinamool Congress legislator Sudip Bandyopadhyay, state finance and chief secretaries and members from the business community.

"During the three hour meeting, they (BMW) gave a presentation about their existing facilities and expertise, their plans and endeavours on sustainable transport like electric cars and hybrid automobiles as also about their plans and perception about India.

"On our part, through facts and figures, we informed them about the rapid development that Bengal has witnessed under the Mamata Banerjee government. They were quite impressed by the progress that Bengal has made," said Mitra adding "5-6 projects" were discussed with the carmakers but refused to divulge details.

"The take home of today's meeting was sharing of information and enhancing familiarity. We have discussed several projects and the stress is on to take further this productive discussion and turn it into a sustainable relationship," he said.

Asked if the company has expressed interest of investing in Bengal, Mitra replied: "All options are open. We have shared whatever information they asked for and they are quite impressed by Bengal's recent development and progress.

"Both the parties spent three hours exchanging valuable information. We shared our vision of Bengal and they shared what is their vision and their plans for the future."

On Wednesday, Banerjee is slated to hold series of meetings and address an interactive session with German investors and businessmen.

--IANS

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