Singapore prefers Gujarat over Bengal despite Mamata's visit

Kolkata, Jan 13: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banaerjee went to Singapore in August last year to woo investors. But to the utter disappointment of the chief minister and her officials, a top representative from Singapore have said in Gujarat where the annual vibrant business summit is underway that they are looking to Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh as their prime destinations for investment and have no plans for Bengal for the time being. [Vibrant Gujarat: Companies sign 21,000 MoUs, to invest Rs 25 lakh crore]

The remark came from none other than S Iswaran, minister in Singapore's prime minister's office, who is often claimed to be a close friend of his by Bengal's Finance and Commerce and Industries Minister Amit Mitra, a report published in Anandabaazar Patrika.

Bengal's Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra recently showcased the chief minister's visit to Singapore and the huge expectation that was created around the memoranda of understanding and possible investments worth crores in Bengal, the report said.

But in effect, it was seen that nothing substantial did actually take place.

The Singaporean delegation led by Iswaran said its government was feeling encouraged by Narendra Modi's leadership and his government's 'Make In India' initiative.

Iswaran also said Singapore is willing to take part in Prime Minister Modi's smart city project and build a new capital of Andhra Pradesh under the same, the report added. A number of firms from Singapore have invested in Gujarat and hence it gets priority in their agenda, he added.

The Singaporean minister also said that the business-friendly environment of Gujarat and its government's positive approach put Gujarat before others.

The delegation from Singapore comprises members from various top firms and enterprises none of whom were present in Kolkata during the Bengal business summit held earlier this month.

Oneindia News