Bengal Global Business Summit 2025 Secures Over Rs 4.40 Lakh Crore in Investment Proposals

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state secured investment proposals worth over Rs 4.40 lakh crore during the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025. This two-day event highlighted West Bengal as a prime investment destination. Banerjee shared that 212 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and letters of intent were signed across various sectors, reflecting the state's strong investment climate.

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"We have received investment proposals worth Rs 4,40,595 crore during this event. This will create thousands of job opportunities in West Bengal," Banerjee stated, highlighting the summit's importance. She attributed the state's progress to her government's development efforts since 2011, which have lifted 1.72 crore people above the poverty line. "Our focus on infrastructure, industry, and social welfare has led to significant progress," she added.

Investment Growth and Key Announcements

The state had previously received Rs 3.76 lakh crore in investment proposals during the BGBS 2023 edition, indicating steady economic growth. Over seven editions of BGBS, West Bengal has attracted proposals worth Rs 19 lakh crore, with Rs 13 lakh crore already realised. This demonstrates the state's commitment to fulfilling investment promises and its growing appeal as a business hub.

A major highlight was Reliance Industries' commitment to invest Rs 50,000 crore in West Bengal by the end of the decade. Mukesh Ambani stated, "In less than a decade, our investments in Bengal have increased 20 times, and we have invested over Rs 50,000 crore. We shall double this investment by the end of this decade, creating over one lakh direct jobs."

ITC announced plans for a global centre of excellence for artificial intelligence in New Town, Kolkata. The JSW Group also committed to investing Rs 16,000 crore for a 1,600 MW power project at Salboni, with future plans to double its capacity.

International Participation and Infrastructure Development

The summit attracted key industrialists, policymakers, and international delegates, reinforcing Bengal's status as a leading investment hub in eastern India. Representatives from 20 partner countries participated in the summit, with additional attendees from another 20 countries. "The response has been overwhelming," Banerjee noted.

Banerjee mentioned that major industrialists like Mukesh Ambani and Sajjan Jindal shared their investment plans during separate discussions with her. Further assurances of investment were received from them. The summit also featured a large exhibition with 215 stalls showcasing various industries.

Over the past 14 years, West Bengal's infrastructural development has been noteworthy. "We do not create divisions among people," Banerjee said. She emphasised that Bengal is a cultural heartland where unity is celebrated.

Sectoral Investments and Social Harmony

The chief minister highlighted specific achievements such as providing land to ONGC in Ashoknagar for just Re 1 for commercial oil extraction soon to begin there. She reiterated her message of unity and communal harmony: "We are proud of our state because we don't divide people; we unite them."

Several significant investment proposals were made during sectoral sub-committee meetings. Belle Vue Clinics announced an investment of Rs 1,500 crore for two hospitals and a paramedical nursing college in Rajarhat. Birla Opus Paints will invest Rs 1,600 crore in a plant at Kharagpur as part of its expansion plan.

A modern garment park will be established in Mahisbathan with an investment of Rs 700 crore. Additionally, a Rs 195 crore ethanol plant will be set up in Purba Bardhaman district. MoUs for Rs 1,300 crore in three industrial parks and Rs 2,000 crore in the plastic sector were signed under manufacturing initiatives.

Commitment to Business-Friendly Policies

Leading data centre companies like NTT and STT will start operations at Silicon Valley in New Town near Kolkata. Bike taxi aggregator Rapido signed an MoU with the state transport department to invest Rs 150 crore in expanding mobility services.

Banerjee concluded by emphasising West Bengal's ongoing commitment to business-friendly policies and infrastructure development. She noted that over 5,000 investors and representatives attended this year's summit.