Bengal Global Business Summit 2025: Investment hopes amid economic challenges

The Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) was held in Kolkata on February 5th and 6th, 2025.

- Kishore Kumar Biswas

The West Bengal government announced a substantial volume of investment proposals from various industrialists and investors, which appears encouraging. However, given the current investment climate in India, there are concerns about the actual realization of these commitments in the medium term.

West Bengal is not alone in hosting annual business summits to attract investment. Many Indian states hold similar events, often offering incentives to investors. Despite these efforts, attracting sustained investment remains a challenge.

Chief Minister's appeal to Investors

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an earnest appeal to investors at BGBS 2025, urging them to invest in the state to drive economic transformation. She highlighted several positive aspects of Bengal's economy and potential for growth.

Among the notable attendees was Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, who has played a significant role in past BGBS editions. Addressing the summit, Ambani stated, "We intend to make India the world's largest manufacturing hub for clean and green energy, and Reliance would like to contribute to Bengal's green economy." He confidently added, "Our motto is: Solar Bangla for Sonar Bangla."

Major investment announcements