Discover West Bengal

West Bengal

West Bengal, located in eastern India along the Bay of Bengal, is a key economic and cultural hub with a population exceeding 104 million as of 2025. As the fourth most populous state and the sixth largest economy in India, it boasts a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 20.31 trillion (US$ 236 billion) for 2025-26, with an expected growth rate of 12%. The state’s strategic geographic position bordering Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and several Indian states makes it a vital gateway for trade with Southeast Asia and the northeastern region of India. Kolkata, the state capital, is a major metropolitan center offering competitive business costs compared to other Indian metros. West Bengal’s diverse culture, skilled workforce, and improving infrastructure contribute to its dynamic business environment and expanding market potential.

Business Environment

The state offers a conducive climate for businesses with a strong focus on industrial growth, export promotion, and infrastructure development. West Bengal’s economy is diversified across manufacturing, agriculture, services, and trade sectors. The government’s focus on improving ease of doing business, along with lower operational costs in Kolkata and other industrial hubs, attracts domestic and international investors. The state’s export sector, valued at over Rs. 97,000 crore (US$ 11.4 billion) in FY25, is driven by engineering goods, gems and jewelry, and traditional products like Darjeeling tea.

Key Industries and Business Opportunities

• Tea Production: Globally renowned Darjeeling tea, with West Bengal as India’s second largest tea producer.

• Agriculture: Largest producer of rice in India with significant outputs of jute and vegetables.

• Manufacturing: Engineering goods, chemicals, textiles, and leather industries form a strong industrial base.

• Information Technology and Services: Growing IT parks and software services contributing to the economy.

• Export and Trade: Strategic location for export to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Southeast Asia.

• Tourism and Hospitality: Rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural attractions such as the Sundarbans and Darjeeling hills.

Tourism and Cultural Significance

West Bengal’s vibrant culture, featuring Bengali literature, art, music, and festivals, enriches the state’s identity and attracts tourism. The diverse landscape includes the Himalayan foothills, the fertile Ganges delta, and the unique mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These natural and cultural assets create opportunities for eco-tourism, heritage tourism, and related businesses.