Kolkata, 21 September 2024: Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations (CWBTA) and West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) kicked off the Bengal Shopping Festival 2024, the state’s first-of-its-kind shopping festival, on Friday, 20th September 2024 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan. The five-day event, running until 24th September 2024, aims to position West Bengal as a global shopping destination by spotlighting the region’s robust retail and commercial sectors.
Inaugurated by Dr. Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Finance Department, Government of West Bengal (holding the rank of Cabinet Minister); Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal; Ms. Chandrima Bhattacharya, Hon’ble Minister of State, Departments of Finance (Independent Charge), Health & Family Welfare, Land & Land Reforms, Refugee Relief and Rehabilitation, Planning & Statistics, Programme Monitoring (Independent Charge), Environment (Independent Charge) Government of West Bengal; Mr Alapan Bandopadhyay, Chairman, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. Government of West Bengal; Mr Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept. of MSME&T, Government of West Bengal; Dr. Saumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Transport, Government of West Bengal; alongside Mr. Sushil Poddar, President, CWBTA; Ms. Vandana Yadav, MD, WBIDC; Mr Sanjay Budhia, MD, Patton Group; and Mr Rudra Chatterjee, Chairman & MD, Laxmi Tea and Chairman, FICCI, the event is set to drive regional growth and attract international attention to Bengal’s burgeoning retail sector.
With a focus on transforming Bengal into an international shopping hub, the Expo is expected to highlight new opportunities in MSMEs, textiles, start-ups and consumer goods. The Bengal Shopping Expo 2024 features over 430 stalls, including 280 in Hall A and more than 150 in an additional hall. The Expo will encompass a diverse range of products, from high-end fashion and electronics to automobiles and leather goods, while also celebrating Bengal’s rich tradition with textiles, jute products and Geographical Indication (GI) items. Emphasising Khadi and handloom, the event reflects the region’s artisanal heritage. By drawing local industries, government bodies, multinational brands and start-ups, the Expo is set to enhance local economic activity, attract tourists and create employment opportunities, all while serving as a vibrant precursor to the Durga Puja festivities.
While addressing over the phone, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee, stated, “The Bengal Shopping Expo is a unique initiative and I congratulate everyone involved in making this festival a success. This event offers a remarkable platform for artisans, showcasing their craftsmanship to a broader audience. I’m pleased to announce the inauguration of three Banglar Saree showrooms at Durga Chowk, Haldia; Eco Park, New Town; and Phulia, Nadia. Additionally, four other showrooms have been established in Kolkata’s Dakshinapan, Dhana Dhanya, Purba Medinipur (New Digha) and Banga Bhavan in Delhi. These showrooms offer a wide range of sarees to suit different budgets and sales have already reached ₹5 crores, with expectations for further growth. Bengal leads in producing high-quality sarees and through these initiatives, many people involved in the industry have benefited. Over 400 stalls at this exhibition feature a variety of products, from jewelry to clothing. The Bengal Shopping Festival also highlights the state’s prestigious handloom and handicraft brands like Biswa Bangla, Banglar Saree, Tantuja, Manjusha, Bangasree, and Resham Shilpi, showcasing our rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Geographical Indication (GI) products such as Madur Kathi, Bengal Patachitra, Kantha and Chhau Masks take center stage, adding to the festival’s charm. I firmly believe that products from various districts of West Bengal need better marketing and exposure. Although Durga Puja is approaching, sales have been lower due to the flood-affected areas. We are continuously monitoring the situation and I assure you that we are working on relief efforts. Let us all work together for the upliftment of Bengal. Wishing everyone the best for the upcoming festivals.”
Dr. Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Finance Department, Government of West Bengal (holding the rank of Cabinet Minister), stated, “This event highlights Bengal’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and cutting-edge industries. For the first time in India, we bring together 144 platforms of traditional artisans, showcasing crafts that would otherwise require visiting remote villages. This initiative also reflects Bengal’s focus on MSMEs with 98 lakh units supporting over 1.36 crore workers across 650 clusters. The event also emphasises the crucial role of consumption, which accounts for 60% of India’s GDP and Bengal’s vast workforce, which includes 3.62 crore employees. Moreover, we are proud of our self-help groups, which employ 1.2 crore women. Amazon and Flipkart are here to onboard these artisans and craftspeople, giving them a global platform. This partnership will allow Bengal’s unique creations to reach consumers worldwide. I urge everyone to explore not only the traditional crafts but also the cutting-edge technologies presented here. This unique convergence of heritage and innovation is being showcased for the first time in such a format, a tribute to our Chief Minister’s vision.”
Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, stated, “The Bengal Shopping Festival, inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Minister, is a celebration of the state’s rich culture, craftsmanship and economic progress. It aims to boost Bengal’s MSMEs, artisans and grassroots businesses by creating direct access to consumers, fostering growth and sustainability. West Bengal leads the nation in female-owned MSMEs, reflecting the Chief Minister’s commitment to women’s empowerment. The state’s economy has grown significantly with major investments in infrastructure and industrial development. The Bengal Export Promotion Policy 2023 aims to make the state a global trading hub. This festival highlights the state’s diverse industries, from handlooms to electronics and provides a platform for artisans and small businesses to thrive. The event symbolises Bengal’s dedication to inclusive, equitable growth and is a testament to the state’s continuous journey toward prosperity.”
Ms. Chandrima Bhattacharya, Hon’ble Minister of State, Departments of Finance (Independent Charge), Health & Family Welfare, Land & Land Reforms, Refugee Relief and Rehabilitation, Planning & Statistics, Programme Monitoring (Independent Charge), Environment (Independent Charge) Government of West Bengal, stated, “This festival, unprecedented in its scale and purpose, reflects our collective effort to empower MSMEs, local artisans and small businesses—the pillars of Bengal’s thriving economy. As Dr. Panja mentioned, Bengal has seen remarkable growth since the government took charge. From 2010-11 to 2023, the GSDP has grown 5-fold and our own tax revenue has risen by nearly 4 times. Expenditures on state development and social sectors have increased by over 5 and 10 times, respectively. These achievements are a result of targeted strategies and the leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister. Women empowerment has been a cornerstone of our development. 44% of the state’s budget is allocated to women’s empowerment, with over 12 lakh self-help groups in rural Bengal, benefitting over 120 lakh women. In the urban sector, there are an additional 90,000 self-help groups. The government provides interest subsidies to these women, supporting their entrepreneurial ventures. This festival showcases the craftsmanship of many women and I urge you all to support them by purchasing their products. Women are the backbone of society and their hands are key to our state’s progress. Under the leadership of our Chief Minister, the state is in capable hands and this festival is a testament to our collective effort to uplift the community.”
Mr. Alapan Bandopadhyay, Chairman, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation Ltd., Government of West Bengal, stated, “We celebrate Bengal’s rich cultural heritage and provide a dynamic platform for rural artisans, small businesses and grassroots consumers. This 5-day expo at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan is a public-private partnership, bringing together artisans and small businesses on an unprecedented scale. Initiated by CWDTA, this is the first large-scale event of its kind in the state, showcasing Bengal’s artistic brilliance, from intricate handloom sarees to creative craftsmanship. The expo bridges the gap between rural artisans and urban consumers, fostering a culture of sustainability that will benefit the state for years to come. We’re not just promoting products but uplifting livelihoods across West Bengal. Key handloom brands like Biswa Bangla, Banglar Saree, Tantuja, Manjusha, Bangasree, and Resham Shilpi are highlighted, celebrating our state’s cultural legacy. In addition, GI products like Madur Kathi, Bengal Patachitra, Kantha, and Chhau Masks are given prominence, further enhancing the festival’s appeal. This event is a tribute to our local talent and I encourage everyone to explore the expo and take part in celebrating Bengal’s unique heritage. I sincerely thank all stakeholders for making this initiative a success.”
Mr. Sushil Poddar, President, Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA), stated, “The soil and air of Bengal surely have something magical. It’s only here that we constantly spark innovative ideas like the Bengal Shopping Expo. This unique platform brings together the best of industry, MSME products, daily essentials, start-up innovations and our rich heritage under one roof. Bengal has always been a hub for trade and with the support of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the resilience of our people, we are shaping the future of business in the state. This Expo is more than an event—it’s a movement that honours the entrepreneurial spirit of Bengal. Through initiatives like these, we are not just promoting trade; we are building a bridge between tradition and progress, between artisans and consumers and between rural talent and global markets. It is this fusion that makes Bengal a truly dynamic force in the Indian economy.”