Mamata's plans for Goa-a Hong Kong like 'financial district'

Panaji, Feb 6: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seem to be all set to flex her political arm ahead of the Mar 3

. She has laid out her vision to convert the beach state of Goa into a Hong Kong style 'financial district'.

The matter was highlighted when Mamata released the election manifesto of the Trinamool Congress ahead of the Mar 3 Goa polls. The manifesto mentioned that the party wanted to convert the beach state into a financial hub.

The manifesto read, "Invite international banks and financial institutions to set up business in Goa (Hong Kong model)." The manifesto was released by Trinamool's state president Wilfred de Souza.

It has to be remembered at this juncture that Mamata was vehemently opposed to special economic zones (SEZ) as well as foreign investment in civil aviation and retail, but has chosen to break away from that principle in the occasion of the Goa elections.

de Souza, speaking on the issue said that the proposition was in sync with Mamata's economic policies and was intent on turning Goa into a banking paradise on the lines of Hong Kong.

Mamata Banerjee was in the news recently when she opposed the UPA's move to welcome foreign investment in civil aviation and retail sector. Her other move included her opposition to establish Tata’s Nano manufacturing project in Singur, West Bengal. She had alleged that the company was forcibly acquiring farmlands for industrial development. The plan was eventually shifted to Gujarat.

Trinamool's election manifesto also mentions the establishment of a stock exchange in Goa, which the party envisions as a financial services hub.

OneIndia News