Kolkata, Feb 3 (PTI) – Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay is set to arrive in Kolkata on February 5 for a two-day visit to participate in the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade relations, an official from the Royal Bhutanese Consulate confirmed on Monday.
Leading a 13-member delegation, Tobgay will engage in discussions and presentations focusing on business opportunities between Bhutan and West Bengal. The Bhutanese delegation will also showcase their country’s products and services at the summit and host a country-specific session to strengthen commercial ties.
Strengthening India-Bhutan Trade Relations
"This visit is focused on Kolkata and aims to improve trade relations between our nations," said Namgey Thinley, Trade Consul of the Royal Bhutanese Consulate in Kolkata. The visit follows Tobgay’s earlier trip to New Delhi in November 2024, highlighting Bhutan’s continued efforts to expand economic partnerships with India.
Special Guests and Business Leaders at BGBS 2025
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced in October 2024 that Tobgay would be the special guest at BGBS 2025, scheduled for February 5-6. While reports suggest that Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren might also attend, there has been no official confirmation yet. Officials from the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) have not responded regarding the final VVIP guest list.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) have arranged special meetings for their national members on the morning of February 5, before the formal inauguration.
“CII is facilitating the participation of 75 senior industry delegates from across India at BGBS,” an official said. Some of the key business leaders attending include:
- Sanjiv Puri, Chairman & MD of ITC Limited & President of CII
- Rajiv Memani, Chairman & CEO of EY India & President-Designate of CII
- R Mukundan, MD & CEO of Tata Chemicals Limited & Vice President of CII
BGBS 2025: A Key Platform for Investment in West Bengal
Now in its eighth edition, the Bengal Global Business Summit is West Bengal’s premier investment event, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore business opportunities across multiple sectors.
Key focus areas for BGBS 2025 include:
- Manufacturing & MSMEs
- Circular Economy & Sustainability
- Defence & Infrastructure Development
- Tourism & International Trade
- Healthcare & Education
- Creative Economy & Film Industry
- Power & Renewable Energy
The state boasts over 200 industrial parks and estates and has emerged as a major hub for cement production, steel manufacturing, and exports. The Bengal Silicon Valley Hub, spanning 200 acres, has already attracted 41 IT and ITeS companies, including 11 data centres. Additionally, the FinTech Hub, covering 69 acres, has secured participation from leading banks and financial institutions.
BGBS 2023: A Legacy of High-Value Investments
The previous edition, BGBS 2023, saw participation from over 400 international delegates representing regions such as Europe, the UK, CIS, SAARC, the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, LAC, and East Asia.
During the last summit, West Bengal received investment proposals worth over ₹3.76 lakh crore, as announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The inaugural session of BGBS 2025 will commence at 2 PM on February 5, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expected to meet the VIP guests on the evening of February 4.
This high-profile summit is set to further West Bengal’s position as an attractive investment destination while fostering stronger trade and business ties with Bhutan and other participating nations.
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