Time is right to invest in Kerala: Experts Saturday, 31 July 2010 02:39

DOHA: Infrastructure development projects in Kerala, a south Indian state, are one of the best sectors for investment for Non-Resident Keralites, according to experts at the seventh global conference of World Malayalee Council (WMC).

The two day event, which brought in more than 600 Keralities from some 35 countries concluded here, yesterday.

With a number of ongoing projects and some on the drawing board, Kerala is at present witnessing huge growth both in terms of infrastructure and education.

“There are a number of industries, power and transport projects that are being developed in Kerala. Many of these will be launched soon like the Kannur Airport with ground breaking on November 1, the Vallarpadam Terminal project will be dedicated to the people soon and the Vizhinjam Terminal project, the first phase which will be launched on August 11,” said K P Rajendran, Kerala Revenue Minster.

“Government is also bent on enhancing the knowledge pool and today, students have world class intuitions which offer courses including space sciences. Reently, a medical University was launched and this will be followed by a Veterinary University. Plans are there to have a Fisheries University too,” he said.

Addressing the meet, R Seetharaman, CEO Doha Bank, said: “India has one of the best and proven functional economies in the world which has withstood all kind of financial crises and also has been able to grow sustainably despite sanctions that were imposed before. The projections show that by 2030, India’s economic growth will surpass that of some of the G7 nations.”

“The geographic location and the beauty that nature has bestowed on Kerala should be used to promote the tourism industry, which is still under-marketed. The geographic location which can help Kerala develop terminals can be used for bettering trade relations. The government should also try to attract more of Keralities living abroad to do business by looking into various issues of theirs,” he said.

The session which focused on the avenues for Non-Resident Indian participation in the development of Kerala, saw a number of leading businessmen, civil service officials and ministers discuss basic issues regarding investing in Kerala.

It was also a window for many to air their woes on difficulties they had in doing business in Kerala. Issues as political feuds, incompetence of officials at various levels and lack of information on doing business in Kerala were some of the key issues.  

The closing ceremony of the event saw a number of cultural programmes led by the Chairman of Sangeeth Nadaka Academy and Malayalam actor Mukesh. Leading dancers, Rajashri Warrier, a Bharatnatyam exponent and Methil Devika, Mohiniyattom artist also performed during the event.

The Peninsula

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