Kolkata: US Assistant Secretary of State (Bureau of South and central Asian affairs) Robert O Blake on Friday called on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who urged him to send a business delegation to the state.
"The Chief Minister has requested me to send a
business delegation here. I will speak with the US chamber of
commerce and the CII and finalise the whole thing," Blake told
reporters after meeting Banerjee.
On US investment in the state, he said, "There are
certain areas like mining, engineering, energy, tourism and
agriculture where there is tremendous possibility of US
investment."
"The Investors will into every aspects including law
and order before investing in the state," Blake said adding
"There has been a considerable progress in this (law and
order) regard."
Praising Banerjee, Blake said, "It is nice to meet
her, She is taking unique steps".
"I personally know finance minister Amit Mitra, some
other members in the team and the new chief minister. They are
very able people and I think they are committed to provide
more enabling climate for foreign trade and investment. But
they have to compete with not only other cities in India but
the entire world," Blake added.
When asked whether he would invite Banerjee to the US,
Blake said, "She is always welcome but she is very busy".
PTI
First Published: Friday, June 17, 2011, 20:18