BGBS 2025: India Inc. bets big on West Bengal; pledges massive investments

On the opening day of the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025, titans of India's business world spoke at length about their plans to contribute to West Bengal's economic growth. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the opening event, said in the last seven editions alone, that Bengal has received investment proposals exceeding ₹90.51 lakh crore. "Projects worth ₹12 lakh crore have already been initiated, with the rest in various stages of implementation."

At the inaugural session of the 8th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit, Banerjee said Bengal holds immense potential for further investment as one of the largest state economies. "Our GDP is expected to reach ₹19 lakh crore in 2024-25, growing faster than the national average. Soon, 40 small-scale industrial parks covering 1,500 acres will be established with an investment of over ₹12,000 crore, generating employment for 1.5 lakh people. Bengal already has 200 industrial and sector-specific parks. Also, I am proud to say West Bengal has the highest number of women entrepreneurs."

Among the business leaders present at the opening event, Sanjiv Puri, Chairman of ITC Limited and President of CII, says that despite the company's pan-India presence, West Bengal remains ITC’s largest investment hub, with ₹7,500+ crore invested across 18 manufacturing facilities and multiple hotels. This, he says, has created "a strong agricultural footprint and a growing IT sector, driving economic growth and innovation in the state."

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, says in the hospitality sector, the Ambuja Neotia Group is currently operating 6 hotels in West Bengal. "The Group in partnership with Taj Hotels plans to launch new properties in iconic locations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gorumara, Digha, Santiniketan and Raichak, offering unparalleled hospitality experiences. In total, the Ambuja Neotia Group promises over ₹15,000 crore of investments in the state."

JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal said the company plans to invest ₹16,000 crore in a 1,600 MW power plant in Shalboni, Midnapore. "The Group is also poised to double its investment should further opportunities arise, demonstrating its commitment to Bengal’s growth."

Dasho Younten Phuntsho, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Bhutan, was also present at the event. She spoke at length about Bhutan and West Bengal's deep appreciation for sustainability and nature. "Bhutan focuses on high-value - low-impact infrastructure that provides unparalleled hospitality. As a landlocked country, Bhutan depends on gracious neighbours like West Bengal. The connectivity to Siliguri serves as a game-changer that will boost the economic growth of both regions."

Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emami and President of FICCI says the Emami Group started as a Kolkata-based startup and has grown into a global conglomerate. This is a testament to the state’s conducive business environment and industry-friendly policies that empower enterprises to thrive.

Sourav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian Cricket Team and Former President, BCCI, said Bengal Global Business Summit plays a pivotal role in catalysing progress and growth across key sectors such as MSME, manufacturing and industries, by bringing together industry stalwarts and thought leaders from around the world.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren talked about Bengal's economic growth under Mamata Banerjee, saying the state has emerged as a hub for industry and investment, both nationally and internationally. "This significant development has far-reaching implications, particularly in fostering stronger inter-state relations that can propel mutual growth and position West Bengal as a key driver of India's economic growth."