<–2/”>a >West Bengal Trade and Commerce:-
Trade and Commerce Bengal enjoyed prosperity through trade and commerce from time immemorial. The multitude of rivers afforded easy Communication for internal trade and Bengal’s location on the bay of bengal offered her the opportunity of participating in sea-borne trade and commerce, the tradition of which seems to have been built up from as early as the second millennium BC.
History:-
West Bengal stretches from the Himalayas in the north, to the Bay of Bengal in the south. Bengal was probably the wealthiest part of the subcontinent up until the 16th century. Portuguese traders and missionaries were the first Europeans to reach Bengal in the latter part of the 15th century. They were followed by representatives from the Netherlands, France, and the British East India Company.
In the last two decades of the sixteenth century, The Portuguese established the major port of Hooghly (downstream from Satgaon), built up their community in Chittagong, and established mercantile colonies in and around Dhaka. Although the Portuguese never replaced Asian merchants in Bengal’s maritime trade, as is often supposed, the appearance of European merchants in the sixteenth century certainly stimulated demand for Bengali manufactures, which served to accelerate local production of those goods.
From 1615 onwards, the Dutch East India Company traded with Bengal. In 1635 a settlement was established at Chinsurah adjacent to Hooghly to trade in opium, salt, muslin and spices. A famous Frenchman, General Perron who served as military advisor to the Mahrattas, settled in this Dutch colony and built a large house here. Trade thrived in Bengal in the early eighteenth century, to such an extent that the administrators of the Dutch East India Company allowed Hooghly-Chinsura in 1734 to trade directly with the Dutch Republic, instead of first delivering their goods to Batavia. The only other Dutch East India Company settlement to have this right was Dutch Ceylon. Chandannagar was established as a French colony in 1673, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post on the right bank of the Hooghly River. It became a permanent French settlement in 1688, and in 1730 Joseph François Dupleix was appointed governor of the city, during whose administration more than two thousand brick houses were erected in the town and a considerable maritime trade was carried on. For a time, Chandannagar was the main center for European commerce in Bengal. The East India Company cemented their hold on the region following the Battle Of Plassey in 1757, and Calcutta served for many years as the capital of British India. The British East India Company was the British Empire Authority delegated in Bengal from the 17th century to the middle of 20th century. The Dutch and the French were the first jute traders. The company began trading mainly in raw jute during the seventeenth and eighteenth century. The United Kingdom’s industrialisation brought new purpose to the jute Industry. From the mid-19th century, the company started trading raw jute with the United States, Europe and other countries. Scotland’s Dundee jute factory injected new blood to the industry. This company and later the British Empire had monopolistic access to this trade during that time. Jute factories were set up around the areas where it mainly grew, the Hooghly river-banks. The agents of the East India Company first visited the provinces of Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, for trade during the period of Ibrahim Khan (ca 1617-1624), the Subahdar(Governor) of Bengal at the time of Delhi Emperor Jahangir. The first “factory” (that is, warehouse and trading post) was established in Surat in 1620. In 1634, a Firman (royal decree) was obtained from the Emperor Shah Jahan which allowed them to establish a factory in Bengal. The Investment in Bengal soared, the Bengal residency was separated from Madras. The nineteenth century saw a major rise in the industrial scenario of Bengal. Mechanized paper manufacture was started in Bally Mills, Hooghly around 1870. Paper Mills were consequently established in Titagarh in 1884 and in Hooghly in 1894. In Raniganj, Bengal Paper Mill was set up in 1891. Mining Industry too flourished during this period as Bengal Coal Company was established in 1843. By 1860, fifty collieries were functioning in and around Raniganj. In 1820, Breen & Company and Butterly Company merged to establish M/s Jessop and Co. Cotton Mills, Jute Mills and Plantation firms too grew at a rapid pace along the Hooghly River Bank during this period. Many PSUs too chose Calcutta to establish their headquarters. In 1910, Imperial Tobacco Company (later ITC), was formed with its headquarters in Calcutta. In 1975, Coal India Limited was founded and headquartered in Calcutta. In 1931 Bata India Limited the Company was incorporated at Calcutta. In 1892 Britannia Industries were established in Calcutta. In 1948, Damodar Valley Corporation was established with its headquarters in Calcutta. Apart from these, CESC Limited, IFB Industries, RPG Group, Bengal Ambuja, Linc Pen & Plastics, Philips India, Eveready Industries, Visa Group, India Govt. Mint, Peerless Group, Usha Martin, Jai Balaji group, Orient Airways, KKN Group, Bengal Ambuja, Berger Paints India Ltd, SIMOCO (First Wireless Equipment and Mobile phone manufacturers from East India), Emami Ltd., Eveready Industries India Ltd., Stewarts & Lloyds of India, Ltd., and Titagarh Wagons and National Insurance Company have also established their headquarters in Calcutta more recently.
Entrepot of the Silk Route:
Bengal has always been the gateway to the eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is the shortest and easiest route from the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas. Such a geographical advantage made Bengal a commercial hub that connected the sea to the famous Silk Route.
Facts:-
Location Advantage:-
Its locational advantage makes the state a traditional market for eastern India, the Northeast, Nepal and Bhutan. It is also a strategic entry point for markets in Southeast Asia. The cost of operating a business is lower in Kolkata than in other metropolitan cities.
6th Largest economy:-
West Bengal, India’s sixth largest economy, had a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of US$ 114.6 billion in 2012-13. The state’s GSDP expanded at a CAGR of 14.6 per cent during 2005-13.
Rich In Natural Resources And Minerals:-
West Bengal has abundant Natural Resources of minerals and suitable agro-climatic conditions for agriculture, Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture and Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries. It is in vicinity to mineral rich states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha. The contribution of the textile industry to the state’s GSDP is targeted to rise to 10.0 per cent by 2022-23 from 5.2 per cent in 2009-10.
Excellent Connectivity:-
West Bengal offers excellent connectivity to the rest of India in terms of railways,roadways, Ports and Airports. Major stretches of the golden quadrilateral project also pass through the northern districts of the state. Recently West Bengal government has decided to construct three river bridges, two over the Hooghly and one over the Ajay – to boost trade and connect places of cultural importance. One bridge over the Hooghly river would connect Shantipur in Nadia district to Kalna in East Burdwan district, while the other one would link Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas district to Howrah district’s Fuleshwar.
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West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It is the third-most populous state in India, with over 91 million inhabitants. The state’s capital is Kolkata, which is also the second-most populous city in India.
West Bengal has a long history of trade and commerce. The state was a major center of trade during the Mughal Empire, and it continued to be an important trading center during the British Raj. After India’s independence in 1947, West Bengal continued to be a major center of trade and commerce.
The state’s economy is based on agriculture, manufacturing, and Services. Agriculture is the largest sector of the state’s economy, accounting for about 20% of the state’s GDP. The main crops grown in West Bengal are rice, jute, and tea. Manufacturing is the second-largest sector of the state’s economy, accounting for about 15% of the state’s GDP. The main industries in West Bengal are textiles, engineering, and chemicals. Services is the third-largest sector of the state’s economy, accounting for about 65% of the state’s GDP. The main services in West Bengal are Banking, finance, and tourism.
West Bengal has a number of advantages that make it an attractive location for trade and commerce. The state has a large and skilled workforce, a well-developed Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, and a strategic location. West Bengal is also a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which gives it access to a large market of over 1.5 billion people.
The state’s government has been taking a number of steps to promote trade and commerce. The government has set up a number of special economic zones (SEZs) to attract foreign investment. The government has also been working to improve the state’s infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and airports.
West Bengal is a major center of trade and commerce in India. The state has a number of advantages that make it an attractive location for businesses. The state’s government is also taking a number of steps to promote trade and commerce. As a result, West Bengal is expected to continue to grow as a major center of trade and commerce in the years to come.
Here are some specific examples of how West Bengal’s government is promoting trade and commerce:
- The State Government has set up a number of special economic zones (SEZs) to attract foreign investment. SEZs are areas with special tax and regulatory benefits that are designed to attract foreign companies.
- The government has also been working to improve the state’s infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and airports. This will make it easier for businesses to operate in the state.
- The government has also been working to improve the state’s Education system. This will ensure that the state has a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of businesses.
- The government has also been working to improve the state’s business Environment. This includes reducing red tape and making it easier for businesses to get started and operate in the state.
These are just some of the ways that West Bengal’s government is promoting trade and commerce. As a result of these efforts, West Bengal is expected to continue to grow as a major center of trade and commerce in the years to come.
What is trade?
Trade is the exchange of goods and services between two or more parties. It can take place on a small scale, such as when you buy a cup of coffee from a local shop, or on a large scale, such as when countries trade goods and services with each other.
What is commerce?
Commerce is the activity of buying and selling goods and services. It includes all aspects of trade, from the production of goods to their distribution and sale.
What are the benefits of trade?
Trade can benefit both individuals and countries. For individuals, trade can provide access to goods and services that they would not otherwise be able to afford. For countries, trade can lead to economic Growth and development.
What are the challenges of trade?
Trade can also face challenges, such as tariffs, quotas, and other barriers to trade. These barriers can make it difficult for businesses to compete in the global marketplace.
What is the future of trade?
The future of trade is uncertain. The rise of protectionism and nationalism could lead to a decline in trade. However, technological advances could also lead to new opportunities for trade.
What are some of the most important trade agreements in the world?
Some of the most important trade agreements in the world include the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the European Union (EU), and the Trans-Pacific PARTNERSHIP (TPP). These agreements have helped to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade between countries.
What are some of the most important trade routes in the world?
Some of the most important trade routes in the world include the Silk Road, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the Indian Ocean Trade Route. These routes have connected different parts of the world for centuries and have played a major role in the development of trade.
What are some of the most important trade goods in the world?
Some of the most important trade goods in the world include oil, natural gas, gold, and coffee. These goods are traded on global markets and have a significant impact on the economies of many countries.
What are some of the most important trade organizations in the world?
Some of the most important trade organizations in the world include the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. These organizations play a major role in the global economy and help to promote trade and Economic Development.
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The main export of West Bengal is:
(A) Jute
(B) Tea
(C) Iron Ore
(D) Coal -
The main import of West Bengal is:
(A) Petroleum products
(B) Machinery
(C) Chemicals
(D) Food grains -
The main trading partner of West Bengal is:
(A) China
(B) Bangladesh
(C) India
(D) Nepal -
The main port of West Bengal is:
(A) Kolkata
(B) Haldia
(C) Mongla
(D) Paradip -
The main airport of West Bengal is:
(A) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
(B) Durgapur Airport
(C) Bagdogra Airport
(D) Hasimara Airport -
The main industrial city of West Bengal is:
(A) Kolkata
(B) Howrah
(C) Durgapur
(D) Asansol -
The main agricultural product of West Bengal is:
(A) Rice
(B) Jute
(C) Tea
(D) Sugarcane -
The main language spoken in West Bengal is:
(A) Bengali
(B) Hindi
(C) English
(D) Urdu -
The main religion of West Bengal is:
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism -
The capital of West Bengal is:
(A) Kolkata
(B) Howrah
(C) Durgapur
(D) Asansol