The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized a discussion with Ms. Natalie Toms, Economic Counsellor and Director-Prosperity from British High Commission, Delhi with senior members on 30th September, 2019 at the Chamber premises. The meeting was attended by Mr. T. B. Chatterjee, Senior Partner, Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP and Chairperson, Indirect Tax, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Deb A Mukherjee, President Designate, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director, Cenergist Energy Private Limited and Ms. Haimanti Poddar, Senior Energy Adviser-UKTEP, British Deputy High Commission.

The meeting gave an overview of West Bengal's overall economic scenario. So basically a snapshot of industrial development, key initiatives by the State to invite private investment, implementation of GST, infrastructure financing and boosting finance for SMEs. The meeting included discussions over how West Bengal have benefited by implementation of GST, as GST is a consumption based tax. Post demonetization and implementation of GST about 18 lakh (1.8 million) taxpayers have increased.

Agriculture is the most important sector for the development of the State. Water and agriculture are the areas which need to be focused and United Kingdom can take active part in implementation and policies. Energy and Climate are also focus areas where State and UK government can work together. UK plays a major role in Industry and academia partnership.