invest kerala global investment meet

Chief Secretary Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS emphasized Kerala’s top ranking in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index and its leadership in the Ease of Doing Business rankings. She attributed this success to the state’s ethical business practices, advanced digital ecosystem, and proactive governance. She pointed out that Kerala’s well-established startup ecosystem has fostered innovation and reduced bureaucratic hurdles, making it an attractive destination for investors. Furthermore, Kerala’s pristine natural resources, fresh air, and tourism potential make it an unparalleled investment destination. The state’s highly skilled human resources, bolstered by strong educational institutions, further enhance its appeal.

Industries and Law Minister P. Rajeev highlighted the significance of the summit, calling it the culmination of various preparatory programs. He noted that Kerala’s MSME sector now benefits from a streamlined licensing process that grants approvals within seven days. With the introduction of a software-based centralized inspection system and off-campus industrial parks for students, the state is fostering a new era of entrepreneurship. He emphasized Kerala’s evolution into a knowledge economy, underlining its strong presence in the medical device industry, which accounts for 24% of India’s total production.

Additionally, he praised Kerala’s historical achievements in industrialization, such as establishing India’s first electric company in 1983 and producing the country’s first color television. He also highlighted Kerala’s position as the international spice hub and home to Asia’s largest technopark. With major advancements like the INS Vikrant built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd and the state’s strong focus on quality of life, Kerala is increasingly recognized as a “heaven of investment.” Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari acknowledged Kerala’s rich history, culture, and advancements in education and healthcare. He announced road infrastructure projects worth over ₹3 lakh crore, including ₹10,000 crore for the Palakkad–Malappuram Bypass, ₹5,000 crore for the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Road, and ₹6,000 crore for the Angamaly Bypass. With 31 upcoming projects under a ₹50,000 crore budget, the state’s connectivity is set to transform, fostering greater economic growth. He assured full central government support for infrastructure development, including the Coimbatore-Kerala highway, Kollam-Madurai corridor, and Kanyakumari-Mumbai expressway. He also emphasized Kerala’s leadership in industries such as rubber, spices, coir, and jute, reinforcing its role in India’s manufacturing and tourism sectors. Union Minister of Industry and Commerce Piyush Goyal reiterated the central government’s commitment to Kerala’s growth under the spirit of cooperative federalism. He pointed out that India has climbed from the 11th to the 5th largest economy and is on track to becoming the third largest soon. Kerala, with its strengths in tourism, logistics, and manufacturing, is at the forefront of this transformation. He praised Kochi Airport as a benchmark of public-private partnership and highlighted key infrastructure projects such as the Kochi Water Metro, Vizhinjam International Deep-Sea Port, and the Semi-High-Speed Rail from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. With 300 km of roadways being added annually under the Bharatmala project and major expansions in the national highway network, Kerala’s industrial landscape is set for remarkable growth. Goyal also emphasized India’s position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with Kerala playing a vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, at the Invest Kerala Global Summit, emphasized Kerala’s transformation into an investor-friendly destination, highlighting its strong human development indicators and strategic initiatives. He outlined the government’s commitment to simplifying business procedures through legislative reforms and the Kerala MSME Facilitation Act, 2019. Significant infrastructure investments in highways, railways, airports, and waterways, along with uninterrupted power supply and strong internet connectivity, were noted as competitive advantages. The Chief Minister assured that land acquisition would not be a barrier, thanks to a new land pooling initiative. He also highlighted Kerala’s growth in startups, aerospace, medical devices, nutraceuticals, and clean energy, including the Hydrogen Valley Project in Kochi. Key projects like Vizhinjam Port and the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor are driving industrial growth, reinforcing Kerala’s position as a dynamic investment hub.

Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jain Chaudhry lauded Kerala’s investment in youth and its commitment to higher education. He commended the state’s best practices in business and governance, stating that Kerala serves as a gateway to development. Kerala’s adaptable population and skilled workforce, he noted, make it a crucial player in India’s economic future. Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheeshan expressed bipartisan support for Kerala’s industrial development, emphasizing the need for economic prosperity beyond political affiliations. He called for a cooperative approach in making Kerala a more investment-friendly state. Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director of ITC, acknowledged Kerala’s rising prominence as an industrial hub and expressed ITC’s keen interest in collaborating with the state. He praised Kerala’s innovative economic strategies and indicated potential investments in its industrial and economic sectors.

Karan Adani, CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ, announced substantial investments in Kerala, including the expansion of Trivandrum International Airport. The airport’s capacity will increase from 4.5 million to 12 million passengers per year, reinforcing Kerala’s global connectivity. He committed ₹30,000 crore in investments across various sectors, reflecting the Adani Group’s confidence in Kerala’s economic trajectory., Lulu Group Chairman M.A. Yusuff Ali emphasized Kerala’s well-educated workforce and its potential in food processing, medical devices, and tourism. He highlighted Lulu Group’s major investments, including the Twin Tower project and a new food processing plant and storage facility in Kalamassery, further strengthening Kerala’s position as an investment-friendly destination.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE, highlighted the deep socio-economic and cultural ties between India and the UAE. He emphasized investment opportunities in food processing, tourism, technology, and healthcare, underscoring how UAE’s investments could help address global challenges. H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Bahrain, reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Kerala. He outlined plans for partnerships in renewable energy, food and pharmaceuticals, and announced the creation of an industrial incubator and an equity fund to support businesses in the state.