Haldia Dock Complex should be given separate identity: Suvendu

Kolkata: The state Transport minister, Suvendu Adhikari, who is also the chairman of Haldia Development Authority, felt the necessity of giving a separate identity to Haldia Dock Complex as Haldia Port Trust. Adhikari was speaking at a programme organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) based on Destination Haldia Forum 2018 - "Spearheading Sustainable & Inclusive Growth".

The programme was held at Satish Samanta Trade Centre Auditorium in Haldia.

Adhikari inaugurated the second seminar on Haldia. G Senthilvel, Deputy Chairman of Haldia Dock Complex, V Solomon Nesakumar, Superintendent of Police of East Midnapore were present in the seminar.

Adhikari said the Haldia Dock Complex should be separated from Kolkata Port Trust and be given a separate identity in the name of Haldia Port Trust. It may be mentioned that Haldia Dock Complex is a profit earning entity and it plays a major role in maintaining the economy of the area.

Highlighting the key areas that keeps Haldia ahead as a business destination, Adhikari has invited the business community to invest in Haldia for further development. The state transport minister said: "There is enough growth potential of Haldia and more than Rs 50,000 crore has been invested by private investors."

"There is industry friendly atmosphere in Haldia, where strikes are not allowed and measures have been taken for ensuring industrial safety," he added.

Chairman of the Haldia Development Authority further stated that initiatives have been taken to set up a 50-bed trauma care centre. The initiative was taken considering safety of the people working in the area and also for the common people. Discussing about the facilities available in Haldia, Adhikari informed the gathering about the availability of 660 acres of land, where investment can be made. He also requested entrepreneurs to come forward with CSR activities for beautification and making the township clean and green.

After the inaugural session, there were two other sessions: "Growth Churners for Haldia: Oil, Petrochemicals, Downstream Industries & MSMEs" and "Smart City of Haldia: Education, Health & Services Sector".

According to the entrepreneurs present in the seminar, the seminar will help in attracting business in the area.

It may be recalled that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier directed to take necessary steps to ensure an overall development of East Midnapore district and emphasised on making necessary infrastructure so that enterprenuers face no inconvenience to invest.