Kerala keen to make itself the most preferred investment destination: Chief Minister

New Delhi: Mr Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala today said that the state government is making all efforts to ensure Kerala becomes the most preferred investment destination. He also invited industry to come forward as the state government is willing to provide all necessary support.

Addressing the webinar on “Rebuilding and Reinvigorating Kerala’s Economy Post COVID-19”, organized by FICCI, Mr Vijayan said, “We are focusing on agriculture, MSMEs, tourism and IT sector. Let us work together and we will give all possible help. Together we can bring Kerala back and will make it the most preferred investment destination.”

Highlighting the steps taken by the government to attract investments, Mr Vijayan said, “We are committed further to easing the norms for industrial licensing. All licenses will be issued in 7 working days. We have also setup an Investment Promotion Taskforce including both national and international experts. Kerala has a distinct advantage in having an educated skilled labour force and this is advantageous for knowledge based industrial sectors.”

Mr Vijayan highlighted that the state has undertaken steps to ease the industrial licensing system including end-to-end online system, automated approvals based on self-certifications, and introduction of deemed approvals. The government has also rationalized existing rules and introduced new technologies to support the system.

“Kerala is keen to make itself an investment destination and we will make changes to attract investments. Our ports, airports, and other infrastructure will help us in a big way. We request investors to come forward and strengthen our efforts,” added Mr Vijayan.

Dr Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI in her welcome remarks congratulated Hon’ble Chief Minister and Government of Kerala for the excellent handling of COVID 19 in the state which is highly appreciated all over the country and world at large. She also mentioned that we need to ideate, reinvent, and find ways to revive the economy. “Strength of Kerala lies in its people, human resources, agriculture, IT sector, and FICCI would extend all support to work with the state government,” said Dr Reddy.

The webinar was addressed by industry leaders from various sectors including Dr Jyotsna Suri, Past President, FICCI and CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Chairperson-FICCI Higher Education Committee & Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International University; Dr Harish Pillai, Chair- FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee; Member- FICCI Health Services Committee & CEO-Aster India, Mr Sanjog Gupta, Chairman, FICCI Sports Committee & Sports Product Head, Star India and Mr Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises.

Other eminent speakers who highlighted the sectoral potential included Mr Sudhakar Gande, Co-Chair, FICCI Defence and Aerospace Committee & Non-Executive Director, AXISCADES Engineering Technologies Ltd. and CEO, Jupiter Capital Private Limited, Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, Co-Chair, FICCI Space Committee & CMD, Ananth Technologies Ltd, Mr Bijay Sahoo, Past Chair, FICCI Skills Committee & President HR, Reliance Industries Ltd, Mr Ajay Das, AVP- Business Development, Adani Synergy Ltd and Mr Deepak L Aswani, Co-Chair FICCI Kerala State Council & Managing Partner, Lachmandas & Sons.

Dr K Ellangovan, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala also apprised the participants of various steps being taken by the State Government to promote investments in Kerala during the webinar.

Dr M.I. Sahadulla, Co-Chair, FICCI Kerala State Council proposed the Vote of Thanks on behalf of FICCI.