Volvo expresses intention to set up unit in Bengal

A day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee invited the Tatas to set up a car factory in the state, Swedish automobile giant Volvo has expressed intention to establish a unit.
"I spoke with Volvo (representatives) today. We will give them 25 acres in Panagarh industrial park," Banerjee told reporters here today.
"They will have a setup there. We have given them land," she said, adding details will be shared later.
Bengal has a land bank and policy ready for investors, she reiterated.
The Swedish multinational approached the government for land to set up a base in the state.

The chief minister, who recently visited Germany and Italy seeking investment from global giants like BMW, however, did not specify what Volvo would do with the land at Panagarh.

During the day, the state government signed an MoU with Tata Metaliks to impart skill training in ITI, Midnapore.
"It would have been an expensive proposition to set up buildings and infrastructure but the government was very forthcoming. So we are focusing on the software part rather than the hardware part," Tata Metaliks managing director Sanjiv Paul said.
While infrastructure with respect to classrooms and workshops would be provided by the department of technical education, training and skill development, Tata Metaliks will take care of procurement and installation of machinery and equipment, training along with management of the centre.

Paul said 1,200 youths will be trained annually and the number would increase gradually.
Training would be given in plumbing, electrician, carpentry and scaffolding, beauty and wellness, hospitality and housekeeping and security.
Banerjee said the government's target is to prepare a workforce of six lakh skilled workers every year.
"If you want to take charge of other districts also you can do it. Our infrastructure is ready. The government will give full help. If there is any problem we will help," she said.