The West Bengal Government has decided to organise its annual industry and trade fair from Kolkata to Haldia. Haldia is located nearly 150 kms south of the city in the district of East Midnapore.

Political circles claim that the decision has been influenced by the State’s desperation to retain face after the ABG-LDA–run Haldia Bulk Terminals announced its decision to wind-up operations from the region.

Accordingly the venue was shifted from Kolkata to Haldia. However, State Commerce and Industry Minister, Partha Chatterjee, refuted such a view.

“The decision to hold the annual industry and trade fair at Haldia was taken long back and is not influenced by recent developments in the state,” Chatterjee told reporters during a press conference at Writers’ Buildings.

According to Chatterjee, a decision was taken by the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, during one of her trips of the township of Haldia.

The responsibility of organising the trade fair has been entrusted with the industry minister and Trinamool Congress MP and Haldia Development Authority – a nodal agency in the region – chairman, Suvendu Adhikari. Chatterjee is likely to visit Haldia tomorrow.

“The State’s image to investors has not been impacted despite the attempts by vested interest groups,” Chatterjee said.

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