'It's a very proud moment for me. A very historical moment also. I am honoured to meet all of you,' Banerjee said in her opening remarks to the assembled captains of industry, many of whom were earlier considered close to the state's ruling Left Front major Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).

'I see all the smiling faces. For development, industry must smile also. We should discuss how we can work in a proper manner,' said the Trinamool Congress chief, who laid stress on small-scale, agro-based, medium and big industries.

'We want to see you submit your intent to partner Indian railways in this important session,' said the minister, who announced she would meet the industrialists every three months.