In a significant outreach to the state's business community, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive package of measures aimed at empowering and streamlining operations for the nearly 60-lakh strong trading fraternity. The announcements were made at a packed Netaji Indoor Stadium during the Byabasayi Sammelan, organized by the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations (CWBTA).
New Digital Portal and Infrastructure Boost
Addressing a gathering of nearly 12,000 traders, the Chief Minister launched a pivotal trade receivable portal designed to streamline and expedite the receivables process for traders in a time-bound manner. Banerjee revealed that seventy-two financial institutions would be integrated with this portal, promising a smoother financial ecosystem.
To further bolster trade and exports, the state government will establish two trade and export facilitation centres in Kolkata and Siliguri. These centres will house B2B hubs specifically focused on promoting products with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, creating dedicated market access for Bengal's unique goods.
Focus on GI Tags and Traders' Welfare
Highlighting Bengal's rich heritage, the CM set an ambitious target for GI recognition. While the state currently boasts 36 GI-tagged products like Darjeeling tea, Nakshikatha, and Gobindobhog rice, she asserted that Bengal has the potential for 3,600 GI tags over time. "We have 36 GI tags. This can be 100 times more in the next few years because of our cultural heritage and vast range of products," Banerjee stated.
In a move to address traders' concerns institutionally, the government is setting up a traders' welfare board that will convene monthly. This board will operate through a single-window system, with participation from all district chambers of commerce. Banerjee also encouraged the community to develop malls in all district headquarters, aligning with the state's announced plans.
Defending Bengal's Economic Record
Taking a swipe at critics who question Bengal's employment landscape, the Chief Minister cited data from the central body Niti Aayog, claiming that unemployment in the state was 30% lower than the national average. She emphasized the dignity of all work, referencing the Prime Minister's past. "If our PM can say that he was a chaiwala, then what is the harm in selling tea or Ghugni if one can earn a livelihood out of this," she remarked.
Showcasing the state's economic progress, Banerjee noted that Bengal had achieved exports worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore and that the number of registered companies in the state had crossed 2.5 lakh. The event was also addressed by Amit Mitra, the principal chief adviser to the CM, and CWBTA president Sushil Poddar, underscoring the collaborative effort behind these initiatives.
