Date:28/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/28/stories/2006012802001900.htm

Back Japanese team ready to invest in Bengal

Our Bureau

Kolkata. Jan. 27

, A 17-MEMBER Japanese delegation led by the Japan-India Business Cooperation Committee (JIBCC) on Friday expressed their interest in exploring trading and other investment opportunities in West Bengal.

The delegation also met the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Later in an interactive session with the State Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Nirupam Sen, the industry delegates said the population of Japanese companies operating in India had gone up to 330 in the last few years.

Though West Bengal was successful in attracting the single largest foreign direct investment in the country though MCC PTA at Haldia, there has not been any significant rise in the number of Japanese companies investing in the State.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Sen urged Japan to lend support in revamping and modernising power distribution sector in the State.

The country has been a major financier in power distribution sector in West Bengal.

The State Government has also sought Japanese support in creating physical infrastructure such as roads and mono-rail.