Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) A 21-member business delegation from China arrived here on a two-day visit to explore investment and business opportunities in West Bengal, said a minister on Monday.
The delegation representing sectors like energy, manufacturing, mining, medical care, real estate and infrastructure consists of 21 entrepreneurs from 13 Chinese companies with an aggregate turnover of $10 billion, said Finance Minister Amit Mitra.
Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao had met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2015 and promised to send a business delegation, Mitra said.
"With a focus on investment, the delegation has come to explore business opportunities in West Bengal," said Mitra, who also holds the Excise, Commerce and Industries portfolio.
"They will have discussions with West Bengal Industrial Development Corp (WBIDC) and also visit a manufacturing zone to have firsthand knowledge of investment opportunities in the state," he said.
"Another delegation with representatives from Fortune 500 companies will also visit the state in October-November," he added.
Worldwide Business Culture Exchange's Chairman Hua Bing Gao said: "We are interested in manufacturing, infrastructure, real estate and heavy machinery. The scenario of West Bengal is business-friendly and conducive for investment." Gao heads the delegation.
The delegation will have meetings with Indian industrialists on Monday and visit Panagarh industrial park on Tuesday, Mitra said.
"I hope they will take a firm decision on investments in the state. The Chinese are always quick to grab the opportunities," he said.
A WBIDC official said the state has 6,000 acres of land in 23 industrial estates.
