The state's leather industry will get a boost with technical assistance from Italy along with the setting up of a training centre in leather technology and a regional office for trade in the city.
The project will be undertaken by Italian Trade Commission spending € 1 million in the process, informed Massimo Mamberti, CEO and Managing Director, Italian Institute for Foreign Trade.
Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee welcomed Italian assistance in areas of joint interest, including leather, while addressing the “Indo-Italian Synergy: Destination West Bengal” forum here on Tuesday.
Bhattacharjee, sharing the dais with the visiting Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, said The regional leather industry is a major partner for Indian leather goods production and the leather complex (at Bantola) can benefit greatly through Italian expertise.
Besides leather and food processing, Italian businesses are exploring sectors of mutual interest too.
“Textile industry, fashion technology are also sectors of interest. Italy is spending € 10 million in India within one year for promoting trade,” Mamberti said.