Why UK visits to CM Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal are important for positioning the state as an industry, education centres
During her stay in the UK, Banerjee mentioned the historical link between Bangladesh and the UK and emphasized the cooperation between Bangladesh and the UK.
West Bengal Chief Minister and Head of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Mamata Banerjee’s recent visit to the UK (22-28 March 2025) is important. Like many Indian chief ministers, she has been trying to actively attract investors in eastern India and highlight the economic advantages the state has.
The 8th edition of the Bangladesh Global Business Summit (BGB) will be held in Kolkata from 5 to 6 February 2025. At the summit, several top industrial buildings have made investment commitments.
Bangladesh links in UK
During her stay in the UK, Banerjee mentioned the historical link between Bangladesh and the UK and emphasized the cooperation between Bangladesh and the UK. West Bengal CM said it was an “opportunity for West Bengal” at an interactive meeting jointly organized by the United Kingdom Commerce Council (UKIBC) and the Federation of London Chamber of India (FICCI), West Bengal CM said:
“The UK has been our partner country many times at the Bangladesh Global Business Summit. Bangladesh has agreed to the proposed study by the UK High Commission to strengthen state tax revenues and develop a green budget under the India-UK cooperation,” he said.
Banerjee highlights several logistical advantages and advantages that West Bengal has while seeking to attract investors. During her BGB, she often highlighted the geographical location of West Bengal as a gateway to northeastern India and its proximity to Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Banerjee forced his country’s economic advantages and went all out to attract potential investors. In addition to her policy focusing on MSMES, Banerjee also pointed out that Kharagpur and Newtown (the suburb of Kolkata) are emerging information technology (IT) hubs in the state, as well as the overall potential of the state as important IT centers.
West Bengal CM also put forward two other important points. First, she raised the need for direct flights between London and Kolkata. Although air connectivity between West Bengal and several countries (especially in Southeast Asia) has risen in recent years, air connectivity with the UK has not only helped businesses, but also benefited non-business travelers and students.
Second, in a speech entitled “Empowerment of Girls, Children and Women” at Oxford University, she raised the possibility of Oxford building a campus in West Bengal
“Can’t you build a campus in Kolkata? At least one in India. Please start in Kolkata. Whenever you start, within one day I can provide land with the infrastructure and facilities. Our students are already there to offer it.”
This is part of Banerjee’s efforts to position Kolkata as an educational hub. In recent years, she has tried to highlight the fact that Bangladesh has been a hub of knowledge in the past. Some Western universities have already opened campuses in India, and some are looking to do so soon.
West Bengal CM has not missed an opportunity to articulate the inclusive nature of its policies. At Kellogg College, West Bengal Chief Minister said
“Our mission is to ensure there is no discrimination between students, women, farmers and workers. We must regard all people as human beings. Without humanity, the world will not be able to run, continue or sustain – I firmly believe that, I firmly believe.”
She also strongly emphasized her diversity during her speech.
criticize
Banerjee’s UK visit has been criticized by opposition leaders. Her speech said her forecasts were different from those predicting India, and by 2060, India would become the world’s largest economy, causing serious impacts from several BJP leaders. In addition, some students tried to interrupt her speech at Oxford and laughed at her.
in conclusion
In short, there is no doubt that given past history, there is a need to commit to the investor summit or road show in various states with a small amount of salt. At the same time, the state needs to welcome states’ attempts to attract investment and establish synergies. Countries that were considered economically backward in the early days began to show the need to welcome the initiative. It is also important for states to explore collaboration in areas such as technology, tourism and education, rather than just focusing on investment in a few areas. Whatever the doomers may say, the important role of Indian states in the country’s external outreach must be seen as a positive step.
The author is a policy analyst and faculty member at the School of International Affairs, Sonipat Op Jindal Global University.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author’s own views and do not reflect the views of DNA.)
