Opposition cannot hinder industrialisation : Buddhadeb

Kolkata, Jan 22 (UNI) The Opposition campaign could not impede the industrial growth of the state, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said here today.

Inaugurating the 20th Industrial India Trade Fair, he said, " We cannot create new jobs in agriculture, and industry is the only way out. Small and Medium Enterprises should be given priority since it has the potential to generate maximum employement opportunities. " Elaborating on the potential of growth of industrial sector presently contributing almost 24 per cent towards the state's domestic product, he said various countries were now showing their interest to invest in the state.

China had already shown their interest to set up two motor cycle manufactering plants here, he added.

These apart, the state was gearing up to set up three steel industries in Purulia, Bardhaman and Medinipur and a chemical hub in Haldia, he said and expressed his satisfaction over the success story of Bantala Leather Complex.

The state would set up a simmilar complex in Dinajpur by spending Rs 30 crore, he informed.

Mr Bhatacharjee said, " In order to foster industrailisation, infrastructure needs to be developed like airport, sea port and highways connecting different parts of the city. " The eastern region's biggest trade fair was organised jointly by the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BNCCI) and the state government in association with India Trade Promotion Organisation.

The BNCCI had selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SEMs) as the theme for this year's fair and China as the focus country.

Present on the occassion was state Fire Service Minister Pratim Chatterjee, Chief Secretary A K Deb, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mir Nasid Hossain, secretary of China Council for the promotion of international trade Zhang Jiping.

UNI