FDI interest in WEST BENGAL

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is direct investment by a company in production located in another country either by buying a company in the country or by expanding operations of an existing business in the country. FDI was founded in 1989 by a core group of dedicated engineers who remain an integral part of the company. We have helped hundreds of products come to life for many different firms, from Fortune 500 firms to startups. FDI is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, which is third in the nation for its concentration of high-tech workers and according to USA TODAY Huntsville has the highest per capita concentration of engineers. Recently named by Forbes as one of the worlds 10 smartest cities, Huntsvilles rich labor pool provides access to technical talent in all disciplines and a stable job market with the ability to retain key employees. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday as part of her three-day visit to the country, during which issues like Teesta Water Treaty and FDI are likely to come up. The meeting with the chief minister, the first such exercise by any US Secretary of State, is considered important as the Trinamool Congress chief had effectively stalled the UPA government's efforts last year for FDI in retail. For Mamata Banerjee, who completes one year in power, this visit couldn't have been a better coincidence. While Sunday was all about photo-ops, Monday is strictly business as the two powerful women meet for the first time at Writers' Building. The Indo-Bangla Teesta Water Treaty and the issue of FDI in multibrand retail, which have been opposed by Mamata, and other economic reforms are expected to be discussed.

The US would look for trade opportunities in Bengal, FDI with a likely emphasis on Walmart's multi-brand retail which Mamata had opposed. Mamata Banerjee's growing political influence and her strident opposition to FDI has made Bengal a crucial stopover for Clinton. For the TMC government, the visit is not without symbolism. TMC leader Derek O'Brein said, "Bengal is no more about yesterday and day before yesterday, Bengal is all about tomorrow and day after tomorrow. I think it's not only a good beginning for Bengal but also the stature of the Chief Minister of Bengal." The Left though has criticised Mamata for going over the Centre's head. Biman Bose said, "Internal matters of the country can't be discussed with outsiders." Mamata might want to push her 'Sandesh' diplomacy with Hillary Clinton when she meets her on Monday but all eyes will really be on how she responds once Clinton raises the issue of FDI and Teesta.