Banerjee claimed that West Bengal is “number 1 in India in small-scale industries, ease of doing business, leather industry and skilled workforce”.

“We have over 90 lakh MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) units. That is why I am inviting everyone to come and see for yourself. We have a synergy programme that allows for the clearance of projects under a single window. I am proud to say that we have many women entrepreneurs,” she said.

Bengal has good air, road, and rail connectivity allowing people to move freely, she claimed, adding that the state has a deep sea port too.

“I love Spain since the ways of the country are similar to ours. They love art, culture, paintings, and football. We too have similar cultural tastes. Everyone knows the great Picasso and La Liga,” Banerjee added.

She further said, “La Liga has already committed to set up a football academy in Bengal within a month or two. We want them to train our youngsters and help in honing their soccer skills. Six months ago, Spain was a partner at the International Book Fair in Kolkata, which is one of the most popular book fairs.”

She also said, “Every year, we hold the BGBS which has now emerged as the best business summit in the country. Give us the opportunity to extend hospitality. We are overwhelmed by the hospitality we received in Spain.”

Banerjee, who is on a 12-day trip to Spain and Dubai, had on Thursday met La Liga president Javier Tebas in Madrid and signed an MoU to set up an academy in Bengal for nurturing young talent.  “India’s democracy is our strength. We have so many states being run by different political parties.  We have the world’s second-largest coal block in Deucha Pachami. Also, we have popular tourist places like the Sunderbans, where people come to catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger.”

Criticising the CM over her trip, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Suvendu Adhikari wrote on X, “Glimpses of Spanish vacation – WB CM Mamata Banerjee went for jogging, played a musical instrument called the accordion and explored the streets of Madrid with the members of her entourage. Realising that no official work or business has been attended to; a Press Release was issued to create a perception back home that some official work has been done.”

—With PTI inputs