Kochi: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday said Indian manufacturers are second to none in their skills but needed protection from competition if the country were to develop entrepreneurial talents.
Inaugurating the Women Entrepreneurship summit the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) organised in Kochi, the chief minister, however, clarified that foreign direct investment was welcome in certain sectors.
More than 1000 women entrepreneurs from across the state attended the meet, which also showcased various products and services offered by enterprises women run.
Speaking at the function, Walmart India vice-president Rajaneesh Kumar said his company has plans to source goods worth $20 billion from women entrepreneurs from across the globe and is open to buy products from women entrepreneurs in Kerala also.
Minister of Industries and IT KP Kunhalikutty, Hibi Eden MLA, Former Union Minister Margaret Alva, IT and Industries secretary P H Kurian, KSIDC managing director Dr M Beena and Federal Bank chief operating officer Shalini Warrier also spoke at the function.
Meanwhile, the government announced opening of a standard design facility (SDF) for women entrepreneurs at the Garment Manufacturing and Export Zone at Angamaly.
The Chief Minister later told reports that the Centre has given the final approval for two mega food parks at Chertala and Palakkad.
The Chertala park of KSIDC would see an investment of Rs 130 crore while Palakkad Mega Food Park of KINFRA will have an investment of Rs 119.02 crore.
These parks combined would generate direct employment for 4,500 persons and in-direct employment for 17,000.employment for 17,000.
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