The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a meeting with Mr. Drew Schufletowski, Minister Counselor for Economic, Environment, Science and Technology Affairs, U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on 18th August 2022 in The Bengal Chamber premises.

The discussions focused on the regional dynamics and also sectoral perspectives on knowledge, manufacturing, logistics, and the green economy.

The meeting was joined by Ms. Melinda Pavek, US Consul General, Kolkata and Ms. Sonia Laul, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs, US Consulate General in Kolkata. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Abraham George Stephanos, President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director, Tata Steel Downstream Products Limited; Mr. Subir Chakraborty, President Designate, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Exide Industries Limited; Mr. Deb A. Mukherjee, Past President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Nitin Jain, Managing Director & VP − India & South East Asia, Vesuvius India Limited and Mr. Manojit Sengupta, Delivery Centre Head − Eastern Region, Tata Consultancy Services Limited participated in discussions. The meeting was also joined by Ms. Sangita Dey Chanda, Economic Specialist at U.S Consulate General, Kolkata, Ms. Pratnashree Basu, Associate Fellow, Observer Research Foundation and The Bengal Chamber Secretariat− Mr. Subhodip Ghosh, Director General; Ms. Angana Guha Roy Chowdhury, Assistant Director General; Ms. Soma Mitra Mukherjee, Director and Mr. Sambit Dasgupta, Assistant Director. The members also shared their experiences of working in West Bengal.

President, BCC&I highlighted the availability of minerals and resources in eastern India and the importance of Kolkata with its connectivity advantage.

President−designate, BCC&I mentioned about the land availability from the Government of West Bengal. President also mentioned about mobility in India. India is one of the highest vehicle consumers, and a major shift to electric vehicles has been identified. Smart traffic management may offer opportunities in the future. He emphasized on potential of agriculture and related areas like food processing, cold chain, new technologies, etc. He appraised the diplomats against the general perception. West Bengal offers working convenience for industries and many industries thriving in the state. The Government of West Bengal is also engaging continuously to promote the offerings and address the perception. He also mentioned about the Chambers’ involvement in these areas.

The wishlist suggested by Mr. Deb A. Mukherjee, where the Chamber may play a part : 

• Image and ecosystem

• Value generation and taking research to market with a focus on commercialization and IP

• Green transformation

• Food−energy−water system 

President, BCC&I shared about the need and the scope of technical training. President−designate, BCC&I mentioned about the courses in the format of dual certification from India and abroad initiated by Govt. of West Bengal.

Mr. Manojit Sengupta mentioned about the role of IT industries in the context of industries−academia connect, being enquired by the consul general on the sectoral importance of the same.