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Tripura is a state in Northeast India. The third-smallest state in the country, it covers 10,491 km2 (4,051 sq mi) and is bordered by Bangladesh (East Bengal) to the north, south, and west, and the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram to the east. Tripura is a landlocked state in North East India. The state has a tropical savanna climate, designated Aw under the Köppen climate classification. The undulating topography leads to local variations, particularly in the hill ranges. The four main seasons are winter, from December to February; pre-monsoon or summer, from March to April; monsoon, from May to September; and post-monsoon, from October to November.

Tripura's gross state domestic product for 2010–11 was 129.47 billion (US$2.1 billion) at constant price (2004–05), recording 5.71 per cent growth over the previous year. In the same period, the GDP of India was 48778.42 billion (US$790 billion), with a growth rate of 8.55 per cent. Tripura is an agrarian state with more than half of the population dependent on agriculture and allied activities. However, due to hilly terrain and forest cover, only 27 per cent of the land is available for cultivation. Rice, the major crop of the state, is cultivated in 91 per cent of the cropped area.

TOURISM

Tripura has a geographical area of about 10,492 sq. km. almost two-thirds of the state is under hilly terrain and it is surrounded on three sides by the deltaic basin of Bangladesh. The Tripura tribal’s are divided into two groups: Puran Tripuras and Natun Tripuras. The Puran Tripuras are the original inhabitants of the State and constitute a little over 16% of the total and 57% of the tribal population of the State. The Department of Tourism, Govt. of India, under the ministry of Tourism and Culture has been providing liberal financial and technical support for the tourism development in the state based on the projects received from the states. It is quite clear that Tripura has tremendous and quite unique tourism potential. This could be tapped mainly through the concept of Eco-tourism and Heritage tourism. Nature / wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism, leisure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, international border tourism could be some special tourist packages. The Tourism Development in the Northeast region will depend on integrated approach, involving various government departments, private entrepreneurs, voluntary organizations and local community. This approach will also help in evolving local people’s perception towards tourism development as a strong tool for socio-economic up liftment.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

The State Government offers a package of incentives for setting up of industrial units, which is comparable to other states. Besides, the special incentive package i.e. North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIP) declared by the Government of India for the North East Region is available to industrial units.

State Package of Incentives under Tripura Industrial Investment Promotion Incentive Scheme-

•                    Capital Investment Subsidy @ 30% and additional subsidy @ 2.5% for enterprises of ST, SC, & women individuals on Fixed Capital Investment.

•                    Full Reimbursement of Standard Certification Fees /Charges / other expenses on account of obtaining a standard Certification.

•                    Provides State Transport Subsidy for covering the portion for which Central Transport Subsidy is not available

•                    85% Exemption from the payment of Earnest Money and Security Deposits on tenders floated by State Govt. Department / Agencies.

Incentives declared by Central Government:

•                    Exemption of Excise Duty on finished products.

•                    Central Transport Subsidy.

•                    Income Tax Benefit.

•                    Capital Investment Subsidy.

•                    Comprehensive Insurance Scheme for insurance coverage. Subsidies to service sector, bio-technology and power generating industries.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Tripura offers an investor-friendly environment. The Government welcomes investments into the State, from both domestic and foreign investors.

•        Natural gas

Tripura has vast reserves of natural gas in non-associate form. The gas is of high quality, with high methane content of up to 97%. The availability of superior quality natural gas, at concessional price, offers a great opportunity to prospective investors, to set up gas-based industrial units, using natural gas

•        Information Technology (IT)

Tripura has been considered the second best IT destination in the North East. IT sector (including IT-enabled services) has been identified as one of the major potential growth sectors by the state. The high literacy rate of the State provides additional advantage for development of the sector.

•        Food Processing

The State government has identified food processing as a major thrust area. There is a vast potential for setting up of food processing units in the State. The agro-climatic conditions in Tripura are ideally suited for production of a large variety of horticultural crops.

•        Handicrafts

From time immemorial, Tripura has carved out a name for itself in the field of handicrafts. The gifted artisans produce wonderful objects of crafts from simple material like cane, bamboo and wood.

•        Tourism

Tripura is an attractive tourist destination. The state has a rich cultural heritage. There are number of historical Hindu and Buddhist sites.

INDUSTRIAL POLICY

•        To improve Basic as well Industrial Infrastructure.

•        Industrial Growth by attracting Private Investment.

•        To improve investment climate towards better regulation by removing barriers to competition.

•        Creation of hassle-free and congenial investment climate.

•        To bring significant increase in the State Domestic Product.

•        Widening of resources base of the state.

•        Development of connectivity (Internal road, railways and air & telecom).

•        Better social infrastructure Enabling Entrepreneurship -building capacities through entrepreneurial and technical skills, training and promotion of self-employment.

 THRUST AREAS

•        Natural Gas

•        Food Processing

•        Rubber

•        Tea

•        Handicraft

•        Bamboo

•        Handloom

•        Tourism

•        Information Technology

•        Education

•           Healthcare

The Department of Industries & Commerce was established to promote Village and Small-scale industries as well as medium and large scale industries in the State. While efforts are being made to promote entrepreneurship within the State, the outside investors in the public and private sectors are also encouraged both for their financial capabilities and technical expertise, for the medium and large-scale units. The major existing industrial area is the Industrial Growth Centre Complex at Bodhjungnagar which also includes Food Park, Rubber Park and Export Promotion Industrial Park. The other industrial sites near Agartala as the main business and industrial centres are Dukli, Arundhatinagar and Badharghat. The mineral resources are minor amounts of glass sands, limestone, plastic clay and hard rock and all of these materials are being used in varying degrees. Setting up of ceramic tiles unit and other mineral based industries are being encouraged in the private sector.