With a view to attract investments, Kerala government plans to hold a meet titled ‘Emerging Kerala’ in Kochi in April next year.
A high-power committee with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as chairman to work out the details of the meet has been set up, Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty told reporters here on Thursday. The meet is planned in Kochi on April 19, 20 and 21 next.
In association with Confederation of Industry, an Investment Kerala Mission also would be constituted with an objective to implement projects on a time-bound basis, he said.
Chief Minister would hold talks with prospective investors in the country and also in abroad, he said. UAE has agreed to open a Consulate office in Kerala, he said.
Stating that the industrial climate in the state has improved, Mr. Kunhalikutty said the Videocon Industries has decided to invest Rs. 200 crore in the State. ‘The company is looking for land to start their venture’, he added.
With Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation signing an MoU with Gas Authority of India, chances of setting up gas based industries in the state have increased, he said.
KSIDC also plans an industrial corridor between Kochi and Coimbatore, he said.
Industrial and IT policy to make Kerala a high-profile destination had been prepared and it would be made public soon after holding consultation with industrial and trade union leaders, Mr. Kunhalikutty said.
The work of the much awaited SmartCity IT Park in Kochi would start next month. The Dubai SmartCity High power committee has decided to sanction necessary funds for the first year’s construction activities, he said.
The project coming up in 240 acres of land has Rs.1500 crores as capital expenditure in the first phase.
