Videocon ventures into biotechnology with SEZ

Siliguri, Jun 29 (UNI) Consumer electronic giant Videocon group has ventured into biotechnology with its Special Economic Zone in northern part of Bengal.

Laying the foundation of the project today at Dabgram in Jalpaiguri district, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said the project of biotechnology by Videocon group was one of the state's largest and potential industries.

Mr Venugopal Dhoot, the Chairman of Videocon group, said he was going to invest Rs 500 crore for the project. '' This will be a joint venture with a Tailand-based company. Thailand is very aggressive in biotech today, '' said Mr Dhoot.

He also said the agreement, however, was yet to be signed.

The biotechnology SEZ was initially having 25 acre of land and was expected to be increased.

Mr Dhoot also said a Netherland-based banking consultant company, Rabo Bank, was working with the project.

'' The SEZ will also include an Information Technology Park, Floriculture, and Horticulture, '' he said.

Mr Bhattacharjee said, '' Opposition parties are keen on stopping industrialisation in this state. I would never stop because no state can run without future planning. '' He said in coming years there would be a huge employment of around 30 thousand, adding the state government was keen on setting up new industries, and a tannery centre would be set up at Panjipara in North Dinajpur shortly.

UNI