U S Treasury Under Secretary praises economic development of Bengal

Kolkata, May 03 (UNI) U S Under Secretary for International Affairs at the Treasury Department Timothy D Adams today waxed eloquent about the "steady all round economic development of West Bengal" and said it was standing on the line of an "economic boom".

Speaking to newsmen after holding an hour-long meeting with West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta during his maiden visit to the state, the US Under Secretary, one of the highest ranking American officials, said he was particularly impressed to know about the extent of work done in the areas of rural development and in the growth of infrstructural sectors.

Describing his talks with Dr Dasgupta as "wonderful experience", the the U S Treasury Under Secretary also admitted that he was moved to find the sense of optimism, high spirit, developmental culture and warm hospitality among the people of the state.

" West Bengal I found has a huge potential in the growth of Infrastructural sector and in the area of rural development and our talks mainly centred around these, "Mr Admas said replying to a query.

However, regarding the prospect of the US investment in the state in any sector, the visiting US Official, who prior to his appointment last year was the Policy Director for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign, refused to make any comment.

Incidentally, Mr Adams, who also wanted to meet Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee during his brief stay in the city, was unable to do so since the Chief Minister was away in North Bengal in connection with electioneering.

Besides meeting the state Finance Minister, Mr Adams, who arrived here last night, is scheduled to visit Bandhan, a micro finance NGO in the city and tour Chembiotek Reserch International to get a glimpse of the industrial development of the state.

Later tonight, Mr Adams and his team are leaving for Hyderabad on the third leg of his trip to India.

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