'Bengal's exports could touch Rs 80K cr by 2019-20'

Kolkata, Dec 22 : West Bengal expects its exports to touch Rs 75,000 crore to Rs 80,000 crore by 2019-20, a Minister said on Friday.

According to State Finance and Commerce Minister, Amit Mitra, Bengal's export turnover grew to Rs 53,649 crore in 2016-17 against Rs 47,857 crore in 2015-16.

"The growth has been over 10.49 per cent. At a compounded annual rate of growth over the three years, I am hoping by 2019-20, the exports turnover to be over Rs 75,000 crore," Mitra said at an exports excellence awards ceremony organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations Eastern Region here on Thursday evening.

Mitra said micro, small and medium enterprises relating to exports of textiles, gems and jewellery, leather and foundry provided as many as 17.70 lakh employments in the state during the last fiscal.

He pointed out that gems and jewellery, leather, iron and steel and many others sectors, including 10 exports items were contributing over 63 per cent share in state's exports.

The state provides exports opportunities, not only in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, but also strategic markets in Asean countries, he said.