Kolkata, Eastern India's Hub, Develops Tech Industry; Taiwanese Manufacturers Have Investment Opportunities

(Central News Agency reporter Li Chin-wei, Kolkata, 13th) Kolkata, with its superior geographical location, is a crucial thoroughfare for all sectors entering Eastern and Northeastern India. In recent years, Kolkata has strived to transform itself, attempting to become the technology development hub of Eastern India, and Taiwan, with its advantages in related industries, presents a niche for investment.

During the British colonial period, India's capital was located in Kolkata. The British extensively established ports, railways, and highways in Kolkata and its surrounding areas, making it an important gateway to Eastern and Northeastern India, as well as to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

In the past, Kolkata was a vital channel for exporting commodities such as tea, jute, coal, and steel. Today, it continues to play a critical role in trade and logistics.

The Northeastern region of India is relatively remote geographically, and in terms of trade, transportation, healthcare, and education, it heavily relies on Kolkata.

Chen Wei, Director of the Taipei World Trade Center's Kolkata Office, told the Central News Agency that Kolkata, as a transportation hub converging river, sea, rail, road, and air transport, has laid an excellent foundation for development.

Chen Wei stated that Eastern India traditionally focused on mining, steel, and jute as its main industries. In recent years, it has vigorously developed infrastructure, as well as green energy and renewable energy industries.

Chen Wei pointed out that in recent years, Assam in Northeastern India has introduced a packaging and testing plant from the TATA Group, and West Bengal has also chosen to promote the "Eastern Silicon Valley" project in its capital, Kolkata. These are key factors for Kolkata becoming the development hub of Eastern India.

Representative Chen Mu-min stated that Kolkata is the largest city in Eastern India, with a population exceeding 15 million. It is not only the capital of West Bengal but also the gateway to the entire seven states of Northeastern India.

He noted that India's past development focused on the western and southern regions, but future development is expected to gradually shift eastward, particularly centered around Kolkata and extending to Northeastern India.

Chen Mu-min said that in recent years, to maintain balanced regional development, India has gradually moved high-tech industries to the east, especially to Kolkata and the Assam region. In the semiconductor industry, India has currently selected locations to establish a batch of semiconductor packaging and testing plants, one of which will be located in Assam.

Chen Mu-min told the Central News Agency reporter that as of now, including Kolkata and Assam, the number of Taiwanese businesses in the entire Northeastern India region is still very small. However, observing future development trends, Northeastern India is a worthwhile region for investment for both Taiwanese and foreign businesses. (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150413