6TH LARGEST STATE ECONOMY

West Bengal is the sixth largest economy in the country after Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. The State had a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of US$ 114.6 billion in 2012-13. The State's GSDP expanded at a CAGR of 14.6 per cent during 2005-13.

Strategic Location

The locational advantage makes the state a gateway to Eastern India, the Northeast, Nepal and Bhutan. It is also a strategic entry point for markets in Southeast Asia. The state is well connected with the rest of the country through rail, road, Haldia and Kolkata ports and two international airports- one in Kolkata and the other in Durgapur.

RICH IN NATURAL RESOURCES AND MINERALS

West Bengal has abundant natural resources of minerals and suitable agro-climatic conditions for agriculture, horticulture and fisheries. It is in vicinity to mineral rich states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha. The contribution of the textile industry to the state's GSDP is targeted to rise to 10.0 per cent by 2022-23 from 5.2 per cent in 2009-10.

Land Bank

The Government of West Bengal can now offer 1.06 lakh acres of land to industries wanting to set up their projects in the State.The land bank comprises land that had been lying idle under various departments of the State Government. The Land and Land Reforms department has 76,000 acres while other departments account for 30,000 acres of land.The State Govt has passed a land policy, which is beneficial for both industry and farmers. The policy ensures a good compensation package for those who give up their land.