Richard Boucher praises CM

Kolkata, Aug 04: Praising the Marxist government in West Bengal for bringing in a change in the business climate, US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher today said he would take initiative for visit of American trade delegations to the state.

''I am pleased to see that the general situation, particularly the economic condition in West Bengal, has improved. I will put my effort for visit of US trade delegations here,'' he told reporters after a half an hour meeting with Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee at the Writers' Buildings.

Mr Boucher, who was accompanied by US consulate officials, said he also had talks with Mr Bhattacherjee over possible ways of US cooperation in education.

Showering encomiums on Mr Bhattacherjee, Mr Boucher said West Bengal had a chief minister 'who is hard working and sincere'.

Expressing satisfaction over the general situation in the state, he said the overall condition had improved a lot.

Mr Boucher was in the city in connection with a programme at the American Center and the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

UNI