'Joint training programmes in management and IT must'

Kolkata: Consul General of China in Kolkata Zha Liyou stressed the need of conducting joint training programmes in management and IT between Universities of China and West Bengal.

"India aces in software production while China is one of the leading hardware technology manufacturers globally. We should work together in the field of Technology for mutual benefit and progress," Liyou said. While addressing a Special Session on 'A New Chapter of Sino-India Friendship: Strengthening Economic Ties Through State-Province Exchanges' organised by Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Liyou highlighted several areas of mutual cooperation between the provinces of China and the State of West Bengal. He appreciated the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, with a special mention of Tagore's verses and songs. He observed that every aspect of culture and society prevalent in China somehow have traces of their roots in India.

Speaking on the possibility of business collaboration between West Bengal and other provinces of China, Liyou spoke about the famous China-South Asia Expo and Kunming Trade Fair where he expects participation from West Bengal. He also stated that his office would facilitate Chinese investors for making investments in the land at Haldia, owned by the Kolkata Port Trust and suitable for tea, rice and sea food. Answering to a question during the programme, Liyou said that large coal mining and infrastructure companies of China are willing to venture in and around Kolkata to extend their operations in India.

Sitaram Sharma, President, Bharat Chamber of Commerce emphasised that the prospects of exchanges at the micro level between West Bengal and her sister Provinces in China should be identified.