The Oriental Chamber Of Commerce hosted its 91st Annual General Meeting on 2nd March at a five-star hotel in Kolkata. The AGM was attended by esteemed dignitaries, industry leaders, and policymakers for the “OCC Excellence Award 2024”. Janab Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Dept. of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal, inaugurated the event.
The Annual General Meeting provided a platform to deliberate on pivotal topics shaping West Bengal’s economic landscape. Key among them was the state’s emergence as a promising investment destination, leveraging its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and proactive government policies. With a thriving MSME sector employing over 1.3 crores individuals, West Bengal stands as a beacon of opportunity for investors, boasting 200+ industrial parks across 10,000 acres.
Highlighting the state budget for 2024-25, attendees lauded the government’s initiatives in strategic planning and e-governance, underscoring its commitment to delivering qualitative public services across sectors. Emphasis was laid on empowering youth, women, laborers, and children, ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development. The leather sector emerged as a focal point of discussion, with West Bengal’s rapid ascent as a leading exporter of leather goods drawing attention. Delegates underscored the sector’s potential for investment and growth, positioning Kolkata as a hub for leather manufacturing and export.
Moreover, discussions centered on the future of manufacturing, emphasizing sustainability and technological innovation. Stakeholders advocated for incentivizing R&D, promoting eco-friendly practices, and nurturing a skilled workforce to drive India’s industrialization agenda forward.
As the global geopolitical landscape undergoes profound shifts, attendees deliberated on the implications for international trade and economic policies. With recent developments such as Brexit and the US-China trade war reshaping economic fundamentals, stakeholders emphasized the need for adaptive strategies to navigate evolving challenges.
The 91st Annual General Meeting of The Oriental Chamber Of Commerce served as a testament to the collective commitment towards fostering economic prosperity and sustainable development in West Bengal and beyond.
Keynote Speakers at the event included Janab Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Dept. of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal, Guest of Honor, H.E. Mr. Nakagawa Koichi, Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, H.E. Mr. Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commission of the Bangladesh in Kolkata, H. E. Mr. Jurgen G. Kurzhals, Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kolkata, Padmashree M. Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman, Farida Group, and Mr. Harsh Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Realty Development Ltd
Mr. Sekhar Mohan Saha, President and Member of The Committee of The Oriental Chamber of Commerce said, “West Bengal is rapidly positioning itself as an economic powerhouse, leveraging strategic geographical advantages, proactive government policies, skilled human resources, and a dynamic business environment. We as an industry body would like to extend our hand and intend to work closely with the Government to make a “Better Bengal”. In addition to various upcoming projects, the discontinued tram line is a new opportunity for setting up new generation Trolly Bus system which run by drawing electricity from overhead cable. It is a great opportunity for both private and public stakeholders to handhold.”