INFRASTRUCTURE – MOST
IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
Says S B Ganguly, Chairman
& CEO, Exide Industries Limited
What is your opinion
about the status of industry in Eastern Region?
Industry in Eastern
Region, Specially in West Bengal is picking up but not to the extent as
seen in other parts of India. However, quite a large number of projects
are in the pipeline and in the installation state.
What is your observation
about the Government support to the Industry?
The Government has changed
and supports the industry to a great extent. Various incentive schemes,
concessions etc offered by the Government should help the industry to grow.
The Government is also having discussions with various Industry Forum to
encourage new industries to come into Eastern Region. The attitude of labour
has also dramatically changed in last few years, especially in the West
Bengal. Presently with the support of the Government, they are a much more
productive force.
What do you think
are the major problems of industry in Eastern Region?
Poor infrastructure, especially,
roads, ports, hotels.
Lack of modernisation and
improvement in technology to make the products cost effective
Lack of demand due to cut
in public sector investment
Non-availability of working
capital due to reforms in the banking sector
Militancy problems in North-Eastern
Region.
How do you see
the future of Eastern Region as an investment destination?
The future of this region
is much better compared to other parts of India as they have inherent strengths
of skilled labour, no power problems and once the infrastructure improves,
it will be the best place for investment.
Where does Eastern
Region stand compared to other industrially advanced states?
Unfortunately, the status
of this region is not considered good. Although there have been changes
in the industrial climate, but these still do not compare with that of
other states and hence a lot has still to be done to attract investment
in this region and Government's firm commitment is required for this.
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