Date:21/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/12/21/stories/2004122101941700.htm

Back Active Chinese participation in trade fair in Kolkata

Our Bureau

Kolkata , Dec. 20

THE 18th Industrial India Trade Fair began here on Monday with active participation by China as a partner country of the fair.

A 65-member business delegation from China, under the leadership of Mr Jing Fuli, President of China Chamber of International Commerce, Chenzhou, has come with exhibits covering various facets of Chinese industries.

The fair, organised by the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BNCCI) in association with the West Bengal Government and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

He said that third world countries should unite and put pressure on the developed countries demanding a "level playing" field for ensuring equitable access to technology and markets.

Mr Bhattacharjee said that the process should be initiated by SARRC countries for ensuring intra-regional free trade. The CM said the West Bengal Government was ready to play its role to help promote friendly relations and trade among SARRC countries, and that his Government would extend all possible help to improve trade between India and Bangladesh.

Mr Bhattachajree praised China for its tremendous economic growth in the last two decades.

Against India's 6.5 per cent GDP growth, China has already achieved 8 per cent growth. "West Bengal wants to catch up with China by accelerating the State's industrial development." The Chief Minister was also keen to welcome Chinese investments in the State.

He said the State's economy was poised to turn around, as fresh investments were coming in a big way. The Jindal Group was keen to set up an integrated giant steel plant, the Tatas have shown interest in setting up an automotive unit, while Russia was setting up a unit for manufacturing commercial vehicles.

He reiterated that the State Government had no hesitation in welcoming FDI in the State. "In fact we want FDI," he said, and added that his Government would ensure the beginning of responsible trade unionism. He urged the TU organisations to shun militancy.

Mr Subrata Mukherjee, the Mayor of Kolkata, assured all cooperation to the Chief Minister, in support of his endeavour to curb militant trade unionism.

Mr Fuli said this was the first time that Chinese businessmen were participating in an industrial trade fair in the city. He welcomed Indian investors to China.