Date:06/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/06/stories/2007050603501000.htm

National

U.S. team meets Buddhadeb

Staff Reporter

Kolkata: A visiting business delegation from the United States met West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Thursday, and invited him and Industry Minister Nirupam Sen to visit their country. They later told reporters that it was time to forge new ties with the State.

Ron Somers, president of the U.S.-India Business Council, said the 15-member delegation evinced a keen interest in the proposed chemical hub and sectors such as agro processing and aviation. He felt that West Bengal's proximity to Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan gave it an advantage.

Mr. Sen said the Chief Minister requested the delegation to explore the possibility of importing mangoes from the State and the team showed interest in this. The team was also keen to explore investment opportunities in the State.