The West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation, the nodal body to facilitate industry in the state, is preparing a list of large manufacturing companies which are operating in Bengal.

WBIDC chairman Rajiva Sinha on Tuesday said at a meeting organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce that more than 150 large industries are present in the state.

“Bengal has always been known as a sector leader in MSME. But many of us even in industry are not aware of the prowess of the state in terms of large industry. I am not talking about jute or tea. At WBIDC, we have started an exercise to identify the top 50 companies in Bengal ... and large industries by definition have a turnover of over Rs 250 crore. Today I was evaluating this with my officers, and already 156 companies are there and all are in the big bracket. You take a name and it is here,” he said.

The list is likely to be finalised soon and be available by the middle of August.

While the state is open to all investors, the best prospects for investment however is from those who are already operating in the state. “Those who stay invested in Bengal, who are local industry leaders are the best people to expand and invest further in the state,” he said adding that these industries are already aware of the business, social and cultural environment and all these contribute to a business decision.

Sinha further said that it is the industry’s role to identify the prospects, strengths and weaknesses and decide to invest. “Our role is facilitation. The experience of doing business in Bengal should be happy,” he said.

HM Bangur, managing director of Shree Cement, who was also present at the event, expressed interest in putting up a unit in the state. He said that the company is in the process of completion of formalities with the company having taken land at Purulia.