China has expressed interest in bringing futuristic MRTS system to Kolkata: Amit Mitra

“Chinese e-rickshaw manufacturing company Auto Haus has expressed interest in coming here. An MoU has been signed with Korea’s Handong University, which specialises in building intelligent and green cities. Poland has expressed interest in mineral exploration, and we are keen to do this. Poland is the leader in mineral exploration. Of course, we will have to rope in the Ministry of External Affairs,” said Mitra.

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The finance minister added that Japan has expressed interest in the development of infrastructure, specifically in building more flyovers and monorails. Japanese firm Mitsubishi Chemicals has discussed the possibility of investing in chemicals manufacturing in Haldea.

“There was a Yokohoma-Howrah partnership which had been conceptualised before, but was put on the backburner. At this summit, the Japanese said they want to revive this partnership,” said Mitra.

The minister also revealed that Norway will soon invest in the maritime sector. “They are especially interested in our fisheries, as it is a big industry in their own country,’’he said.

Italy will create clusters in the MSME sector, specifically in the leather and design industries.

“Korea has also told us that their representative KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) wishes to open an office here… They will be looking at many more direct investment opportunities, and the flow of investments and trade will also be faster and smoother. This is likely to happen within the year,” said Mitra.

German firm Orlinkon Barmag will soon set up a textile and apparel manufacturing plant, while Romania, which specialises in mining technology, has also expressed an interest in working in the state.

“One of the most exciting things that happened for us is that the World Economic Forum Director, Dr Franc Jurgen-Richter, who is also the chairman of ORASIS or the Asia Summit, wishes to bring the Asian Summit to Kolkata soon. The Summit was held in Bangkok before this, and as many as 75 countries took part in it,” he said.

The partner countries for the Summit were Italy, Germany, China and Poland.