West Bengal's tea, fisheries and handicrafts sectors to gain from 9 landmark FTAs: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, Aug 2
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that West Bengal is set to benefit significantly from the nine landmark Free Trade Agreements concluded under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with enhanced market access expected to boost the state's exports and economic growth.
In a post on social media platform X, the minister said the FTAs would provide greater opportunities for tea growers, fisherfolk, artisans engaged in traditional handicrafts, as well as the state's youth and women.
"West Bengal stands to gain significantly from the 9 landmark Free Trade Agreements concluded under PM Narendra Modi," the Union Minister mentioned.
"Enhanced market access will benefit tea growers, fisherfolk, artisans engaged in traditional handicrafts, and the state's youth and women," Goyal added.
According to Goyal, improved access to international markets will help increase production, expand exports and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across multiple sectors in West Bengal.
He said the benefits arising from the trade agreements would contribute to strengthening the state's economy while advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat, or developed India.
"This will drive higher production, boost exports, and generate sustainable livelihoods, furthering the vision of Viksit Bharat," the minister explained.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, a State government insider said that at least 42 industrialists have contacted State Commerce and Industries Minister Tapas Roy, expressing their desire to invest in West Bengal.
According to the official, the minister has assured them of cooperation in this regard. The insider added that several announcements regarding investment in the industrial sector may be made during the current budget session of the State Assembly.
After coming to power, the Suvendu Adhikari government said there would be development in the State's industrial sector, and that he himself would intervene in this regard.
After the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first came to power in West Bengal, the Centre asked NITI Aayog to prepare a long-term blueprint to revive West Bengal's industry and economy.
That work has already started under the leadership of NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Kolkata, I genuinely hope these FTAs translate into real benefits for our local communities. The fishing communities along the Sundarbans and the artisans in Bishnupur really need support. But we need to see actual implementation - not just announcements. The state government should also cooperate with the Centre to make this work.
Great to see India expanding its trade horizons! As someone who visits India frequently, I can say the quality of Bengali handicrafts and tea is unmatched. These FTAs will open doors for international buyers. Hope this brings prosperity to the hardworking people of West Bengal.
The article mentions that NITI Aayog is working on a blueprint for West Bengal's revival - this is long overdue. The state has so much potential: tea, jute, fisheries, and heritage crafts. With proper infrastructure and policy support, we can create thousands of jobs. Hope the state and central governments work together rather than playing politics with development. 🤝
Wait, the article says "After coming to power, the Suvendu Adhikari government" - that's incorrect! West Bengal has a TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee. Suvendu Adhikari is the opposition leader. This kind of factual error makes me question the credibility of the rest of the article. That said, if FTAs genuinely help our farmers and artisans, that's welcome news.
Honestly, as a Bengali, I'm cautiously optimistic. We've seen many promises over the years. But the fact that 42 industrialists have shown interest is promising! If
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