West Bengal to unveil new industrial policy in August

Kolkata: The West Bengal government will come up with a new industrial policy in August, which is being prepared, West Bengal Industry & Commerce Minister Tapas Roy said on Saturday.

"A new industrial policy, with a streamlined single-window clearance mechanism, line-based approvals, GIS-enabled land banks, a clear incentive framework, cluster-based industrial development, strengthened logistics infrastructure, and rationalised approval processes, is being finalised," Roy said on Saturday, while speaking at 13th CII Manufacturing Conclave East.

“West Bengal is also focusing on developing a robust Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem and a dedicated Startup Policy is expected to be unveiled soon. An expert committee is being constituted to simplify compliance requirements and further enhance the ease of doing business in the state,” he said.


Emphasizing West Bengal's aim to make the state a leading industrial destination, Roy, who is Industry & Commerce minister, said, “The Bengal government is committed to creating an industry-friendly ecosystem and is working on a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate industrial growth across the State. The objective is to position West Bengal as a leading industrial destination by 2027 through a transparent and modern industrial policy, supported by investor-centric reforms.”

“West Bengal is also focusing on developing a robust Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem, while a dedicated Startup Policy is expected to be unveiled soon. In parallel, an expert committee is being constituted to simplify compliance requirements and further enhance the ease of doing business in the state,” he said.

“The aim is to establish West Bengal as the preferred investment destination in eastern India. The state’s focus extends beyond attracting investments to creating quality employment opportunities and ensuring inclusive economic growth. Work across these initiatives is progressing on a war-footing, with employment generation and the State's overall development remaining the highest priorities. The Government stands firmly with industry and remains committed to providing all necessary support to facilitate investment, expansion, and sustainable growth.” Roy said.

Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, said, “A new industrial geography is emerging, and East India is well positioned to shape it. The recently concluded India–UK Free Trade Agreement will simplify regulations and reduce the overall cost of doing business. The India–UK FTA is more than just a trade agreement; it is an opportunity for businesses to build stronger collaborations.”

Cmde P Hari (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE Ltd, said, “Our company plans to invest around Rs 2,000 crore in West Bengal over the next few years. Ancillary industries play a critical role in strengthening the defence manufacturing ecosystem.”

“India's domestic defence manufacturing has grown from around Rs 16,429 crore in FY 2015 to nearly Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the current financial year, demonstrating remarkable progress. While India remains one of the world's largest defence importers, the goal is to achieve complete self-reliance by 2047, and this is an achievable target,” he said. “Many ancillary industries are unaware of the requirements of larger manufacturers.”

Vikash Lohia, Chairman, CII Eastern Region Manufacturing Sub-Committee, said that geopolitical developments have created new opportunities for East India to strengthen its manufacturing and export ecosystem.