Bengal seeks Slovak investment to boost economic ties
Times of India | 21 March 2025
12 Kolkata: The state is seeking investment from Slovakia across various business sectors. State industry and commerce minister Shashi Panja met a delegation led by Slovak foreign and European affairs minister Juraj Blanar in the city on Thursday.
The minister said that areas of business cooperation could include engineering, automobile, leather, textiles, metallurgy, green hydrogen, water management, film production, tourism, research and development and defence.
Panja said that in recent years, both Bengal and Slovakia have shown interest in strengthening economic ties and exploring mutually beneficial opportunities, The top commodities exported from the state include leather, sports accessories, iron and steel, ready-made garments, jute products, floriculture products, cotton yarn, electrical machinery and equipment, tea and engineering equipment. "Slovakia is a popular destination for tourists from Bengal. Similarly, our state attracts Slovakian tourists in good numbers. More than 40 consulates are there in Kolkata. We'll be delighted to have the honorary consul office of Slovakia in Kolkata as well," the minister said.
Blanar said, "Various Slovak companies are exploring investment opportunities through joint ventures in India, including Bengal. This visit will enhance cooperation between Bengal and Slovakia. Representatives from Slovakia in fields such as defence, cybersecurity, automation, unconventional energy, and real estate have come."
Jupiter Group's MD Vivek Lohia, who is also the consul general of the Slovak Republic in Kolkata, said, "Bengal is an important state for us and we will continue to invest in Bengal with Tatravagonka. Of of the 500 million euros invested, a lot will also be for Bengal."