Siliguri is arguably the economic hub of the region. The market of Siliguri caters to a large hinterland of Dooars, Darjeeling the entire state of Sikkim, parts of the Kingdom of Bhutan as well as parts of the North East India.

Naturally trading has been the traditional mainstay of business in Siliguri. Apart from trading, the three T’s i.e Tea, Tourism and Timber has been major economic produce. Timber merchandise has reduced substantially over the years due to increasing concern about the environment.

Tea and Tourism continues to employ a large number of population of the region as well as in Siliguri. When these two sectors are affected we witness its overall effect in the economy of the region. In recent years, we witnessed a large numbers of tea estates being closed in the region in the face of increasing competition from tea growers in other countries as well as other states of India. The tea industry is still reeling from the affects of the blow it received following the lack of demand for its products in the international and domestic markets. Exports have come down to an all time low, and the miserable state of the tea garden workers facing starvation is glaring. Lack of purchasing power in the hands of the local people has adversely affected the economy, and the business community of Siliguri can feel the effects of this situation.

On the other hand, the tourism industry is looking as promising as ever, and it is playing a major role in mitigating the negative effects of the stagnant tea industry on the economy. The people of North Bengal can see hope amidst all the misery because the tourism industry in the region is growing at a fast pace. Of late, the North Bengal region, with its great variety of flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes, and the magnificent Himalayan range is fast becoming a preferred destination for domestic and international tourists.

Although, the economy of the North Bengal region is largely dependent upon the tea and tourism industry, it is not the same with Siliguri. The business machinery in the city mainly consists of retailers, wholesalers, dealers, distributors and small scale entrepreneurs. Siliguri is also well known for its handicrafts like cane artwork and furniture; decorative items made of clay etc. It also has two state government owned cooperatives: Kanchan Food Processing Cooperative and the Himul Milk Processing and Diary Cooperative. Siliguri has a regulated market for fruits and vegetables. It is also well known for its poultry and chicken farming industry. Siliguri is also the main place for marketing Horticulture, Floriculture products, as well as Oranges, Cardamoms, Ginger and Broom leaves from the hill areas of North Bengal. There is also growing demand for handicrafts made out of wood, cane, jute and bamboo by the local artisans – and handicrafts from the hills like embroidery, woven shawls, bags and other items is popular all over the world.

There are ambitious plans for the future development of Siliguri and economic infrastructure is being developed at a rapid pace to realize this dream. Flyover, bridges and underpasses are being built at strategic location around the city, while satellite townships and mini towns are coming up at the outskirts of the town to reduce the concentration of population inside the city. Also, the state government is planning to build a Software Technology Park in Siliguri to the likes of Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Siliguri, being a centre of trade and commerce in the region, has great prospects for the FMCG and consumer goods industry as well. Industries like bakery and confectionary, biscuits, sports goods, incense sticks, mineral water, soaps, chalk and pencils, digital clocks etc., can have a huge market and even small entrepreneurs can take advantage of this opportunity. There is also a good market for steel utensils, leather shoes, ready-made garments, tin containers, plastic articles, kitchen wares, electrical accessories etc.

The tourism industry which is a fast growing industry in the region also needs more attention and water sports, ropeways, rock climbing, fast food units and other tourism associated enterprises should be encouraged to maintain the highest level of visitor satisfaction. The state tourism department, the DGHC tourism department and the forest department should work together to make this region the most preferred destination in the country. Last but not the least, the tea industry’s problems should be addressed effectively and the industry should be brought to its track as it does have an adverse effect on the economy.