The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the “Prospects for North Bengal − Investments in Sustainability”, on 25th January 2022 at Hotel Sinclairs, Siliguri.

We organize similar discussion forums on Sustainability in the Industrial Regions of Durgapur/ Asansol and Haldia annually focusing on Ecological Balance and Industrial Growth.

The Chamber has, over the last several years, been providing a relevant and sustainable forum towards promoting clean technology access and energy and environment management. A continuous endeavour has been to focus on sustainable development and to disseminate information and educate business, industry and society about the need for balancing industrial growth with ecological stability. The Chamber believes that addressing the environmental impacts in the industrial region is the need of the hour.

Ms. Nayantara Palchoudhuri, Chairperson, North East & North Bengal Committee and Mentor Socio Economic Initiative, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Director, Washabarie Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. and Chairperson, Indian Tea Association delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Alok Roy, Past President and Mentor, Health Committee, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals delivered the Visionary Address on Healthcare Hub in North Bengal.

Dr. Swarup Kumar Chakrabarti, Vice Chancellor, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Dr. A R Khan, Chief General Manager/OIC, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS), Mr. Snjog Datta, Founder, Daammee and Mr. Jayanta Chakraborty , Chairperson, Agriculture & Rural Development Committee, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Senior General Manager, Indofil Industries Limited also graced the Opening session on New Opportunities − Investment Perspective, Governance, Sustainability and Business. 

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Co−founder & Joint Managing Director, Medica Hospitals, Ms. Ekta Jaju, Founder & CEO, Ongranic Foods, Mr. Niraj Prasad, Deputy General Manager (B&O, Siliguri), State Bank of India, Mr. S K Mondal, Assistant Executive, The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Mr. Pranesh Chakraborty, Senior Executive Council Member, Eastern Himalayas Travel & Tour Operators Association were the key speakers in the session on Opportunities for Business Growth and Case Studies. The session was moderated by Mr. Jayanta Chakraborty, Chairperson, Agriculture & Rural Development Committee, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Senior General Manager, Indofil Industries Limited

The Chamber believes that it is important to have engagements in North Bengal given its strategic value in the overall development of the state and the county. With enhanced transport and communication facilities, this region has the potential to grow trade with bordering nations. Several of the districts in the region, which share border with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, have significant importance in cross border trade and investment can be increased with these three neighbouring countries.

Tea tourism can alter the tea−drinking experience entirely by helping us understand the origins, processing, and the terrain of tea in an intellectual manner. Blessed with cultural abundance and scenic beauty, North Bengal can garner tourists from around the globe just as France and Switzerland attract tourists for their wine and cheese tasting. Ecotourism, with emphasis on the flora and fauna of this region can also attract tourist from across the globe.

The pandemic has exhibited the need of healthcare development as core economic measures. Health tourism in West Bengal is also flourishing gradually. Kolkata holds an important position in international patient service for different neighbouring countries. North Bengal represents a geographically critical area with an immense prospect of healthcare and tourism both.