Agartala : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said the state government is in discussions with a business group to set up a bamboo-based ethanol production facility, as part of efforts to accelerate industrial growth and attract fresh investment.

The chief minister made the announcement while inaugurating the 36th Tripura Industries and Commerce Fair at the Hapania International Fair Ground. He said bamboo, which is abundantly available in the state, could serve as a key raw material for ethanol production. However, he did not disclose the name of the company involved or a timeline for the proposed project.

Highlighting Tripura’s natural resource potential, Saha said the state offers strong prospects for industrial development, particularly in sectors linked to bamboo, cane, pineapple, agarwood and rubber. He noted that Tripura recently signed memoranda of understanding worth around Rs 3,800 crore during a business conclave aimed at attracting new investments.

The chief minister said the Industries and Commerce Fair, organised by the state’s Industries and Commerce Department, will continue until February 12. Several companies that have committed investments in Tripura were felicitated during the inaugural programme.

Saha attributed the rise in investment inflows into the state in recent years to simplified industrial policies, investor-friendly incentives, focused skill development initiatives and sustained engagement with industry stakeholders.

Officials said Tripura has the potential to develop agarwood-based industries valued at nearly Rs 2,000 crore. The fair features around 580 stalls from within and outside the state, including international participants, with free space provided to selected self-help groups and non-governmental organisations.

The chief minister also announced that a major telecom company has begun work on a data centre in Tripura, described as the first of its kind in the Northeast, with construction commencing on Thursday.

Emphasising women’s economic empowerment, Saha said the government has extended revolving funds and facilitated bank loans for self-help groups, benefiting over one lakh women across the state.

Tripura’s Industries and Commerce Minister, along with senior officials including the Industries Secretary, were present at the event. The government said the fair is aimed at showcasing investment opportunities and strengthening the state’s industrial base.

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