MSMEs are pillars of Bengal's economy, says Mamata; Calls state commercial capital of South East Asia

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has hailed small and medium-sized entrepreneurs as the true economic pillars of West Bengal. Speaking at a business summit, she highlighted that the state is home to approximately 65 lakh small and medium traders who should never be ignored. Currently, Bengal boasts 1.30 lakh MSME sector companies, which are responsible for providing employment to millions of people across the region.

The Chief Minister positioned West Bengal as the commercial capital of South East Asia, noting that doing business in the state is exceptionally easy. She emphasized Bengal's strategic geographical location, sharing borders with several other states, which facilitates seamless trade and commerce. She also extended her congratulations for organizing a summit that brought together people of all religions and languages.

Focusing on the uniqueness of local products, Banerjee shared that 36 food products from Bengal have already received the prestigious GI (Geographical Indication) tag. She expressed her ambition to significantly increase this number, suggesting that with collective effort, up to 3600 products could achieve this status. This move is aimed at giving local Bengali products a global identity and higher market value.

In a personal revelation regarding her lifestyle, Mamata Banerjee described herself as a simple woman who still relies primarily on cash transactions. She disclosed that she does not own a debit or credit card, preferring traditional methods. She noted that despite the rise of online shopping, a large portion of the population still places their ultimate trust in neighborhood shops and local small-scale traders.