Environment feels positive for doing business in Bengal, says Zhanwu

Kolkata: China is confident about the environment of doing business in Bengal, Consul General in Kolkata for People's Republic of China, Ma Zhanwu, said in an interactive session organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.

The statement comes ahead of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to China, which is scheduled to take place in June. Zhanwu also said that China is looking forward to more trade ties with the North East, particularly Bengal.

Addressing a gathering, he said that they were communicating with the Chief Minister's office in this regard and also discussed what the areas are, where both the countries can work together.

China is ready to strengthen bilateral ties with India, more particularly with Bengal, in the future years. It may be mentioned that Bengal has already secured top rank in the country in ease of doing business (EODB). "China is confident about the environment of doing business here in the state and is looking forward to more cultural and trade ties as a part of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The focus area would be the promotion of trade between the two countries. The business ties between China and Bengal are very significant," Zhanwu said.

He also said that China import a considerable amount of jute products and prawns from Bengal and the strategic location of the state would further help in promoting further trade between the two countries.

It is believed that during her visit to China, Chief Minister Banerjee would attract investment in manufacturing and various other sectors. Besides the manufacturing sector, business discussions might take place in other sectors like tourism, health care and IT as well.

It may be mentioned that a large business contingent from China had earlier visited the state during the Bengal Global Business Summit held early this year, which had seen huge proposals of investment. The relationship would be further strengthened during Banerjee's visit to the country.

Stressing on the bilateral relationship between the two countries, Zhanwu said: "We must maintain a good relationship because India and China are major powers and also neighbouring countries. We must take a more positive approach towards strengthening the economic and cultural ties between the two superpowers. The bilateral relationship between India and China is one of the most important from the global perspective."

He also reminded that after the Dokalam issue, Chinese investment in India has dropped by 20 percent in the year 2017, while in the previous year, the investment growth was about 700 percent in the country.