'Mamata interested in importing bicycles from Bangladesh'

Kolkata, Nov 22 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday evinced interest to import bicycles from Bangladesh during a meeting with the neighbouring country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Briefing media persons from Bangladesh on the discussions between the two leaders, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen said Banerjee noted there was lot of demand for bicycles in West Bengal. "And Bangladesh can avail the opportunity by exporting it to West Bengal."

Banerjee presented twin proposals to Sheikh Hasina in this regard.

She said either Bangladesh business persons could sent up bicycle industries by forming joint ventures in Bengal for which her government will allot land, or they could establish such units in Bangladesh's bordering areas which would cut down on transportation cost to a large extent.

Banerjee also briefed Sheikh Hasina about the social welfare schemes started by her government and said Bangladesh and West Bengal could collaborate in the areas of education, health services, and culture.

She said Bengal has the highest growth rate among all Indian states.