Bihar Business Connect 2024: Curtain raiser highlights state’s industrial ambitions
Patna: The state industries department hosted the curtain raiser for the upcoming Bihar Business Connect 2024 – Global Investors Summit today at Hotel Maurya, Patna. The curtain raiser event laid out the state’s vision to position itself as a thriving investment destination.
The summit aims to build on the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, which attracted over 600 entrepreneurs and industrialists, securing investment proposals worth Rs. 50,530 crore. Of these, projects valued at Rs. 38,000 crore are already under implementation.
Focus on Bihar’s transformation
The state government highlighted its industrial transformation, with Bihar emerging as a hub for manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure development. Key areas of focus include manufacturing clusters, ethanol production, food processing, and textile industries.
The summit will feature prominent figures, including the chief minister, Nitish Kumar, senior state ministers, and leading industrialists. Officials hope the event will strengthen Bihar’s standing as a viable destination for global and domestic investors.
Strategic policy reforms
To attract investment, the government has introduced targeted policies, including:
- Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (BIIPP-2016): Offering incentives such as tax exemptions and subsidies.
- Startup Bihar Policy: A Rs. 500 crore fund to foster innovation.
- Export Promotion Policy: Facilities like special economic zones (SEZs) and export packhouses to boost trade.
The state’s single-window clearance system and improved ease of doing business were also highlighted as significant enablers for industrial growth.
Industrial sectors at the forefront
- Manufacturing: Bihar is leveraging its agricultural strengths and competitive cost advantages to promote sectors such as textiles, bag manufacturing, ethanol plants, and military footwear exports.
- Entrepreneurship: Initiatives like Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana, financial support for startups, and coworking spaces such as B-Hub are fostering inclusive growth and innovation.
- Infrastructure: With improved energy capacity, IT parks, logistics hubs, and road connectivity, Bihar has witnessed substantial infrastructure development.
Global connectivity and trade potential
Bihar is enhancing its export capabilities through inland container depots, SEZs, and irradiation centers that ensure agricultural products meet international standards. Officials underlined the role of projects such as the Multi-Modal Logistics Park in Patna in integrating supply chain solutions.
Socio-economic impact
The government underscored the positive impact of industrialization on job creation and women empowerment, citing programs such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Yojana and ongoing skill development initiatives.
Summit highlights
- Day 1 (December 19): Inaugural session, sector-specific discussions, and initial MoU signings with a focus on MSMEs and startups.
- Day 2 (December 20): CEO roundtable, major MoU signings in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and plenary sessions on Bihar’s industrial opportunities.
With Bihar striving to redefine its economic landscape, the upcoming summit marks a significant step towards attracting investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving industrial growth.
