'Interest growing among businessmen to invest here'

Recalling his long association with Kolkata, he said "I studied in St Xavier's College and Father Jorris had told me that I would have to struggle to do well in English as it was not up to the standard of St Xavier's. But later on, I overcame the shortcomings and came out successfully."

He said coming to Kolkata was "homecoming for him." It may be recalled that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had visited his house in London in 2017 and requested him to come for BGBS. Mittal and his wife Pushpa also visited Banerjee's Kalighat residence.

He said his "family foundation", which works with UNICEF, will work for underprivileged children. A survey was undertaken by the foundation and it is nearly completed.

Sanjiv Goenka said he was planning to set up a hospital of international standards. He said "Bengal is the best place to invest now." He said "There is political stability and vision of the state government. Businessmen are treated with respect and dignity and all these have made Bengal the ideal destination for investment." Goenka said his company would invest Rs 1,000 crore in the Power sector. A state of the art Carbon Black plant will come up at Durgapur. Niranjan Hiranandani said "Bengal is the ideal place for investment." Recalling his long conversation with his son over investment in Bengal, he said he had asked his son not to invest in the state. "But over the years, the scenario in Bengal has totally changed and it is now the ideal destination. I will request all investors to come, see and invest in Bengal," he said.

He said "Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is really sincere about Bengal's development and the state government is there to sort out any problem. "

Kishore Biyani said it is Bengal that has given him business and "the cost of doing business is lowest in Bengal."

He urged investors to come and invest in the state where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is ready to cooperate with the businessmen.

Uday Kotak said many years ago, his teacher in Economics had told him not to invest in Bengal and invest in Western India as "in Bengal, the mindset is not right."

"But the situation has changed completely in Bengal. Earlier, the private banks used to get investment in Bengal and spent the money in other places. But Kotak has decided to earn in Bengal and invest here for the growth of the state," he said.

Sanjay Jindal said "Because of the Chief Minister's sincere efforts, Bengal is on the right track today." Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had inaugurated a cement factory of JSW in Salboni on Monday. Jindal has said he would invest another Rs 400 crore shortly in Cement and Power sector.

Sanjay Budhia, MD, Patton Group, felt the direction, vision and passion of the Chief Minister and her dedicated team has really paid off. "It has energised, enthused and encouraged the entrepreneurs, investors and industrialists, both domestic and overseas. It will be a catalyst in changing the perception and projecting the true potential of our state," he said.