The state MSME and textiles department received investment proposals worth around ₹900 crore in the micro, small and medium sectors at Synergy, a district-level business conclave hosted here for Darjeeling and Kalimpong on Tuesday.

On Monday, at the Synergy conclave held at Batabari in the Dooars, private investment proposals of another ₹900 crore were received from entrepreneurs for the districts of Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar.

“There is immense potential for investments in the MSME sector across Bengal. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is putting importance on the development of the sector. At the conclave, we highlighted how the state government is ready to provide necessary assistance to prospective investors,” said Chandranath Sinha, the state minister for MSME and textiles, at Tuesday's conclave held at Mainak Tourist Lodge in Siliguri.

Asked about the initiatives of the state government, sources said the West Bengal Khadi & Village Industry Corporation, under the department of MSME and textiles, is developing a common production centre at Kharibari for areca leaf plates.

The department is spending ₹1.09 crore on it. Around 220 women from the Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes from 22 self-help groups will gain from this centre.

Similar initiatives have also been taken for residents of Darjeeling and Kalimpong to promote local handicrafts and agricultural-based products.

“Two common facility centres (CFC) will come up in Kurseong and Loleygaon. The CFC in Kurseong will be set up for the promotion of hill handicrafts. The facility at Loleygaon will jointly come up with the Gurung (community) development board, and will train around 35 artisans of 80 families associated with metal crafts in Kalimpong,” said a source.

Sanjay Tibrewal, the chairman of the North Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, who was present at the conclave, said the state government was providing a number of facilities, including online trade licences and fire licences for investors.

Also, a unit for the MSME sector has been opened at Uttarkanya, the branch secretariat of the state located in Siliguri.

"Many proposals for investment in the hospitality industry, health and agriculture have come up during the conclave. We hope these investments are made and generate employment,” said Tibrewal.