New Delhi: The discovery of coal, coal bed methane, and shale gas reserves in West Bengal is poised to significantly transform the state's economic landscape, according to Amit Mitra, the Principal Chief Advisor to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Speaking at an interactive session on Investment Opportunities in West Bengal with Diplomats, organized by the Government of West Bengal in collaboration with the commerce chamber FICCI, Mitra highlighted the potential game-changing impact of these resources.

Mitra emphasized that West Bengal possesses considerable investment potential, particularly due to the emergence of key factors like coal, shale gas, natural gas, and coal bed methane. He noted that the state holds the world's second-largest coal reserves, and the discovery of shale gas reserves is expected to stimulate the mining sector within the state.

Mitra informed reporters that representatives from 42 countries actively participated in the event, indicating significant international interest in West Bengal's investment opportunities.

Furthermore, Mitra mentioned the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit 2023, scheduled later this year, which will serve as a platform to showcase the state's potential and capabilities across various sectors.

Addressing the question of support from the Union Government for the forthcoming business summit, Mitra stated that past editions of the summit had been inaugurated by former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Mitra emphasized that the state believes in the concept of federalism, inviting central government representatives to the summit, and viewing their participation as a positive contribution.